India Monitors US Bill With 100% Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers
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- India's MEA said New Delhi is "closely monitoring" the US bill, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterating that India's energy choices are "predicated on national priorities" and serving 1.4 billion people through diversified sources including the US.
- The US Senate passed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an 86-12 vote, sending the legislation to the House of Representatives for consideration.
- Section 113 of the bill would authorize the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian fuel or countries facilitating sanctions evasion through shadow fleets — listed as India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan.
- The US Trade Representative is required to review the five-buyer list every 180 days and adjust tariff rates based on changes in their purchasing behavior.
- Jaiswal added India "remains engaged with relevant stakeholders in the US at various levels" on the legislation, signaling diplomatic outreach alongside the public monitoring posture.
Why it matters: If the House passes the bill and Trump signs it, India — named alongside China as a top Russian oil buyer — could face 100% tariffs on exports to the US, forcing New Delhi to weigh discounted Russian crude against its largest export market. The 180-day review clause means even partial compliance by India could reset tariff rates, giving it a recurring lever rather than a one-shot punishment.
