US Senate Bill Targets India, China with 100% Tariff on Russian Oil Imports

A bipartisan bill introduced in the United States Senate, dubbed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026," proposes imposing tariffs of up to 100 % on imports from nations that purchase Russian crude oil or gas. The legislation, sponsored by Democrat Richard Blumenthal and Republican Lindsey Graham and backed by more than 60 senators, specifically lists India and China as the primary targets, with additional countries such as Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan also mentioned.

The measure aims to curb Russia's energy revenues that fund its military effort in Ukraine and to increase economic pressure on the Kremlin. European Union members buying Russian liquefied natural gas would be exempt, and the United States would retain access to Russian uranium and certain medical materials. The bill calls for a review of the targeted list every 180 days.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely tracking the proposal, warning that a 100 % tariff could affect its energy security and global oil prices. The legislation has not yet passed either house of Congress and would require presidential approval before becoming law.