US Moves Toward 100% Tariff on Russian Oil Buyers: India Says It Won’t Bow to Pressure

New Delhi: A fresh trade confrontation could be brewing between the United States and countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, with US lawmakers moving ahead with legislation that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers.

After clearing the US Senate, the proposed legislation is now moving to the House of Representatives, where lawmakers are expected to vote on it on Thursday, according to reports.

If enacted in its current form, the measure could expose countries such as India and China to steep additional tariffs.

India, however, has indicated that it will continue to make its energy decisions based on domestic requirements rather than external pressure.

India: Energy Security Comes First

Responding to the developments on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s energy decisions are guided by the interests of its 1.4 billion citizens.

India has maintained that its energy policy is determined by national requirements and has indicated that it will continue purchasing Russian oil despite possible US measures.

Government sources cited in reports have similarly indicated that New Delhi is monitoring the legislation but does not currently intend to change its policy on Russian crude purchases.

What Is the Lindsey Graham Bill?

The proposed legislation is known as the “Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Bill.”

The bill cleared the US Senate by an 86-11 vote. Among its provisions is a proposal to impose a 100% tariff on countries that are major purchasers of Russian oil, according to reports.

The measure is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia and countries that continue significant trade with Moscow.

Its final provisions, however, would depend on the legislative process in the House and any subsequent action required for the bill to become law.

Demand to Specifically Name India

Some US lawmakers have reportedly sought amendments that would explicitly identify India among the countries that could face sanctions or tariffs under the legislation.

Earlier versions reportedly referred more generally to countries purchasing Russian oil rather than naming individual nations.

Lawmakers have also pushed for the legislation to identify the top 10 purchasers of Russian oil and apply the proposed 100% tariff to them.

The countries cited in this context include India, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

US and India Have Clashed Over Russian Oil Before

The latest move comes against the backdrop of continuing disagreements between Washington and New Delhi over India’s purchases of Russian crude.

The US has argued that revenue from Russian energy exports contributes to Moscow’s ability to sustain its war in Ukraine.

India, meanwhile, has maintained that securing affordable and reliable energy supplies is essential for its economy and population.

New Delhi has previously indicated that it would take decisions based on its energy security and national interests, despite pressure from Washington.

What Happens Next?

The immediate test is the proposed House vote. If the legislation advances, its final language, scope and implementation would determine how countries such as India could be affected.

For New Delhi, the issue goes beyond tariffs: it involves balancing energy security, economic interests and relations with the United States and Russia at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.