**Steep US Tariffs Loom Over India as Russia Sanctions Bill Advances**
The US House Rules Committee has taken a significant step forward in advancing a sanctions bill aimed at Russia, which could have far-reaching implications for countries like India. On Monday, the committee rejected an amendment proposed by Democratic lawmaker Steny Hoyer, which specifically sought to name India and China as targets for potential tariffs. This decision sets the stage for a full floor vote on the legislation, which could occur as early as this week.
The bill, formally titled the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was previously passed by the Senate on August 7 with a substantial majority, receiving an 86-11 vote. If enacted, it would empower President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas. Currently, India ranks as the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, following China, and has been a significant player in the global energy market.
In August alone, India imported approximately 2.1 million barrels per day of oil from Russia, which constituted 45% of its total crude imports. This reliance on Russian energy has drawn scrutiny, particularly in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's actions in Ukraine. Indian officials have defended their energy purchases, asserting that their decisions are driven by national interests and the imperative to secure energy for their population of 1.4 billion.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar recently emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the ongoing conflict, stating, “This conflict, which is today in its fifth year, will not be solved because somebody is buying or not buying oil or alumina or minerals or metals or fertilizer.” His remarks underscore India's stance that energy procurement should not be politicized in the context of international conflicts.
The House Rules Committee's rejection of Hoyer's amendment reflects a broader debate within the US Congress regarding the scope of sanctions and their potential impact on allied nations. Hoyer's proposal aimed to extend the list of countries facing additional tariffs to include not only India and China but also Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. However, the current language of the bill focuses on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
Opposition to the tariff provisions has emerged from various lawmakers, including Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, who introduced an amendment to remove Section 113 of the bill. This section grants the president broad authority to impose secondary tariffs on countries engaging in trade with Russia. However, the rules committee also rejected Meeks' amendment.
The sanctions package outlined in the bill aims to target not only Russia's energy sector but also its leadership and key financial institutions. It includes provisions for secondary financial sanctions, mandating the US Department of the Treasury to impose property-blocking sanctions on financial institutions organized under Russian law and those that conduct transactions with Russian entities.
As the House prepares for a full vote on the sanctions bill, Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that he may expedite the process before Congress goes on a seven-week recess. The outcome of this legislation could significantly affect India's energy strategy and its diplomatic relations with both the United States and Russia.
In summary, the advancing Russia sanctions bill in the US Congress poses a potential challenge for India, which has maintained its energy ties with Russia amid global scrutiny. The rejection of amendments to specifically target India and China may provide some relief, but the looming possibility of steep tariffs remains a concern for New Delhi as it navigates its energy security and international relations.