India Monitors US Bill With 100% Russian Oil Tariffs
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- India's Ministry of External Affairs said it is 'closely monitoring' a US bill proposing up to 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal making the remarks at the weekly media briefing.
- New Delhi reiterated its energy choices are 'predicated on national priorities' and securing the energy needs of 1.4 billion people through diversified sources that include the US, while remaining 'engaged with relevant stakeholders' in Washington.
- 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.
- The bill would authorize President Donald Trump to impose primary and secondary sanctions on Russia and tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that purchase large volumes of Russian oil or gas or help Moscow evade sanctions.
- Under Section 113, the five largest buyers of Russian fuel — India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan — could face the additional tariffs.
- The legislation requires the US Trade Representative to review the list of top five purchasers every 180 days and adjust tariff rates based on changes in purchasing behavior.
Why it matters: The bill hands Trump unilateral authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on India's Russian oil imports — directly threatening New Delhi's energy sourcing while simultaneously putting bilateral trade leverage in play. With a 180-day review cycle built in, India's Russian oil purchases would face sustained, recurring Washington scrutiny rather than a one-off decision.
