US Russian Oil Sanctions Bill, 100% Tariff Threat For India And Leverage On China

The United States Congress has passed a sanctions bill granting presidential authority to impose up to 100 per cent tariffs on countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia, directly impacting major buyers including India and China. Originally proposed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation also targets Russian energy, leadership, and the shadow fleet, alongside expanding sanctions on Iran. The measure heads to Donald Trump for approval and signature, granting the White House waiver powers while requiring congressional notification for tariff removals. The move emerges ahead of the Chinese President's planned visit to Washington and amid United States midterm elections, offering leverage in trade and geopolitical negotiations. For India, the legislation introduces fresh uncertainty into ongoing bilateral trade deal talks that have been under negotiation for over a year, even as options remain open to seek exemptions or engage in direct dialogue with the White House on Russian energy imports.