US Can Now Threaten India With Tariffs of Up to 100% The US Congress has turned sanctions into a powerful trade weapon. The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262–159 on September 16, after the Senate approved it by 86–11 on August 7. The bill now goes to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it shortly. The Act allows the US president to impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. India—the second-largest buyer of Russian oil after China—is a likely target. After the Act is signed, the US Trade Representative will identify the targeted countries and recommend tariff rates. Countries would normally have 180 days to reduce Russian energy purchases or negotiate with Washington, but the president can shorten this period. For India, the stakes are high. India imports more than 88% of its crude-oil requirements. In July 2026, Russia supplied crude worth $7.27 billion—51.1% of India’s total crude imports of $14.21 billion. Other suppliers were far behind: • UAE: 10.8% • Saudi Arabia: 9.6% • Venezuela: 6.3% • Brazil: 5.5% • Oman: 5.3% • US: 2.9% Russia alone supplied more crude than these six countries combined. India’s oil-supply pattern has changed dramatically. Until 2022, Gulf countries supplied more than 55% of India’s crude, while Russia’s share was below 15%. US-led disruptions to Gulf oil supplies have since reduced the Gulf share to below 30%, pushing India towards Russian oil. China buys more Russian crude, but India may face greater US pressure because Washington fears stronger Chinese retaliation. This has happened before: in July 2025, the US imposed an additional 25% Russia-related tariff on Indian goods while sparing China. The tariff on India was withdrawn only in February 2026. Washington may now threaten tariffs of up to 100% and then offer India a lower rate if New Delhi cuts Russian oil purchases and agrees to sign a deeply unequal bilateral trade agreement. India must not trade away its energy security for temporary tariff relief. Neither signing a trade agreement nor stopping Russian oil purchases would protect India from future US tariffs. Washington has imposed new tariffs even on major partners such as the EU, Japan and South Korea, using Section 301 investigations, sectoral measures and other trade laws. Washington imposed new tariff even after signing trade deal with them. Discounted Russian crude has lowered India’s import bill, strengthened energy security and helped contain inflation. India should continue buying it while it remains commercially competitive and negotiate firmly with Washington without granting unilateral concessions. The precise impact on Indian exports will become clear only after the US announces the targeted countries, tariff rates, product coverage and implementation timetable.