The House passed the bill 262‑to‑159 on Wednesday, trimming the original 500% tariff ceiling to 100%—a stark reminder that economic coercion remains a cornerstone of US strategy against Russia.
India now imports 30.3% of its crude from Russia, $40.8 billion in FY2026, making it one of the top five buyers. That share eclipses the combined imports from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Brazil, Oman, and the US.
If Trump signs, the 100% tariff could effectively double the cost of Russian crude for India, forcing the government to scramble for alternative supply chains amid a fragile global energy market.
GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava warned, “Such a tariff would not only punish Indian exporters but also shock US consumers and disrupt trade flows.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, the bill’s namesake, said the legislation aims to pressure Russia and curb its war funding, adding that “the US must stand firm against any nation that fuels Moscow’s aggression.”
The bill will be sent to the White House next week; the administration’s decision on whether to impose the tariff will shape India’s energy strategy and its trade relationship with Washington.