Concerns Over Bill in India Addressed as Talks Remain Reassuring
India could face tariffs of up to 100% on its imports of Russian crude oil if a new sanctions bill proposed by the Trump administration is enacted. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would grant the U.S. President the authority to impose these tariffs on countries purchasing significant volumes of Russian energy. An Indian government source indicated that while the bill raises concerns, discussions have so far been reassuring.
The proposed legislation aims to increase economic pressure on Russia by targeting nations whose energy purchases are perceived as financing its military actions in Ukraine. The final decision on imposing tariffs would rest solely with the U.S. President. Current import patterns suggest that the largest buyers of Russian energy include China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan.
U.S.-India Relations
White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro stated that U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintain a “very good working relationship.” He expressed confidence that the two leaders would address any differences regarding the proposed tariffs directly. Navarro’s comments followed the U.S. Senate’s approval of the bipartisan sanctions bill.
Navarro also criticized India’s increasing imports of Russian crude, noting that these purchases surged after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite this, he acknowledged that access to discounted Russian oil has allowed Indian refiners to reduce costs and secure stable supplies amid global energy market volatility. His recent remarks reflect a more conciliatory tone towards India-U.S. relations after previous criticisms regarding India’s energy trade with Russia.
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