US House advances bill that could enable 100% tariffs on India, 9 others

The US House of Representatives has advanced legislation that could give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian oil and gas, potentially exposing India and nine other countries to additional duties.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a key procedural hurdle by a 214-211 vote on Tuesday, with two Democrats joining Republicans in support.

However, the vote was not final approval of the bill; the House is expected to hold a final vote on Wednesday.

A House amendment specifically identifies India, China, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as countries that could fall under the bill’s secondary tariff provisions. The tariffs would not be automatic and would depend on the criteria set out in the legislation.

The Senate passed the legislation by 86-11 in August. It seeks tougher sanctions on Russia’s leadership and energy sector, as well as vessels linked to efforts to evade sanctions. It also includes provisions targeting Iran.

The proposed measure would allow the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian energy or countries helping Moscow circumvent sanctions. Supporters argue that revenue from Russia’s oil trade helps finance its war against Ukraine.

Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks has opposed the measure, arguing that it would give the president broad authority to impose tariffs without sufficient safeguards.

If the House passes the bill without changes to the Senate-approved text, it would be sent to Trump for his signature. The House is scheduled to begin an early recess on Thursday and return on November 9 after the midterm elections.