New Tariff Threat For India? US Senate Clears Russia Bill Targeting Oil Buyers With 100% Duty

Published 7 August 2026 · india

News world New Tariff Threat For India? US Senate Clears Russia Bill Targeting Oil Buyers With 100% Duty New Tariff Threat For India? US Senate

News world New Tariff Threat For India? US Senate Clears Russia Bill Targeting Oil Buyers With 100% Duty New Tariff Threat For India? US Senate Clears Russia Bill Targeting Oil Buyers With 100% Duty Published By, Last Updated: August 08, 2026, 01:20 IST The bill was named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who spent more than a year building support for the legislation before his death on July 11. The bill will now move to the House of Representatives, where a vote is not expected until at least early September due to the congressional summer recess. (Reuters file photo) The US Senate on Friday passed a sweeping sanctions package aimed at cutting Russia’s energy revenues, with India and China among major buyers of Russian oil that could face tariff pressure if the bill becomes law. The legislation would allow US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas.

It would also impose sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions and the so-called “shadow fleet" used to bypass restrictions on Moscow’s oil exports. The bill will now move to the House of Representatives, where a vote is not expected until at least early September due to the congressional summer recess. India, China In Focus Over Russian Oil Supporters of the bill say targeting Russia’s energy income is key to limiting President Vladimir Putin’s ability to fund the war in Ukraine. The package would also allow Trump to impose tariffs of up to 500 per cent on Russian imports, including oil and gas, while giving Washington wider powers to target countries buying Russian energy. If approved, Putin and other senior Russian officials would be among those facing sanctions. The bill was named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who spent more than a year building support for the legislation before his death on July 11.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen said the measures would hit Russia’s energy and financial sectors hard. “Vladimir Putin only understands strength, and he only responds to pressure," Shaheen said, adding that the legislation could push Moscow towards negotiations. “This legislation represents our best opportunity to finally bring Russia’s war machine to its knees and to force Putin to the negotiating table," she added. Russia Faces Wider Pressure Russia’s embassy in Washington criticised the bill, saying it would harm the US administration. Moscow is also facing increased pressure from Europe. The European Union recently approved its 21st sanctions package since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, targeting financial networks, crypto firms and more Russian officials. The EU measures also focused on maintaining restrictions on Russian oil revenues, while allowing some exemptions for shipping firms transporting Russian liquefied natural gas from the Arctic. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.