WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill into law, giving his administration authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from countries covered by provisions targeting purchases of Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting major buyers such as India and China.
The legislation, called the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, is intended to reduce revenues supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. It also targets Russian officials, banks and energy interests and authorizes tariffs of up to 500 per cent on certain Russian goods.
For India, the new law creates a significant trade risk but does not automatically impose a 100 per cent tariff. The actual impact will depend on whether Trump uses the authority and what tariff rates his administration ultimately sets.
India has said it remains committed to securing affordable energy for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sources and will take necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
The legislation could also put pressure on China and other countries maintaining substantial energy or commercial ties with Russia. Supporters argue tougher sanctions could reduce Moscow’s ability to finance the Ukraine war, while critics warn additional tariffs could raise import costs and contribute to higher prices in the United States.
The next major question is how aggressively the Trump administration will use its new tariff powers and whether countries such as India and China alter their Russian energy purchases in response.