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The US House of Representatives has passed a sweeping sanctions bill that would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, putting major purchasers India and China in the spotlight.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed the House by 262-159 on Wednesday and now goes to Trump for his signature. The Senate approved the legislation with an 86-11 vote in August.
The measure does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India, China or other countries. Instead, it gives the president additional authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase significant amounts of Russian energy or help Moscow circumvent sanctions.
India and China are among the largest buyers of Russian crude and would therefore face potential exposure if the tariff authority is used. India has defended its purchases as part of efforts to maintain affordable and reliable energy supplies, while the Indian government has said it is assessing the potential impact of the US measures.
The legislation also targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors, financial institutions and vessels involved in sanctions evasion, including tankers associated with Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. It also contains provisions targeting Iran.
Supporters say the bill is intended to reduce Russia’s energy revenues and restrict its ability to finance the war in Ukraine. The measure was championed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who had spent more than a year negotiating the legislation before his death in July.
The House vote included 203 Republicans, 58 Democrats and one independent in favour, while seven Republicans and 152 Democrats voted against the bill.
If Trump signs the legislation, Washington would have a new mechanism to pressure countries maintaining major energy trade with Russia, potentially affecting global oil markets and US relations with major Russian energy buyers.
