The United States has proposed imposing tariffs of up to 100 percent on 10 countries, including India, as part of efforts to tighten sanctions on Russia and Iran. A bill titled the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” has cleared a key procedural hurdle in the US House of Representatives.

The House is scheduled to hold a final vote on the bill on Wednesday. If passed, the measure could give the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries importing Russian oil and gas.

On Tuesday, the bill cleared a key procedural hurdle in the House with a 214-211 vote. Two Democratic lawmakers joined Republicans in voting to advance the measure.

Earlier, the bill passed the US Senate by an 86-11 vote on August 7.

The proposed legislation includes sanctions on Russia’s leadership, energy and defense sectors, as well as measures against the so-called “shadow fleet” that helps transport oil while evading sanctions.

The bill also proposes giving the president the authority to impose tariffs on major importers of Russian energy.

According to Indian newspaper The Indian Express, an amendment submitted to the House names India, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The amendment proposes allowing tariffs of up to 100 percent to be imposed on these countries.

Democratic lawmaker Gregory Meeks has opposed the bill. He argued that it would give the president broad authority to impose tariffs without sufficient oversight. Several Democratic lawmakers opposing the bill also believe it would significantly expand the US president’s tariff-making powers.

The United States has claimed that Russia’s crude oil trade is helping finance its ongoing war against Ukraine. This is why Washington is seeking to increase pressure on countries that are major buyers of Russian oil and gas.

Meanwhile, pro-Ukraine organisations in Washington are also increasing pressure on lawmakers. At the Ukraine Action Summit, advocacy efforts are underway to urge US lawmakers to maintain continued support for Kyiv.

If the bill passes the House, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. The House is scheduled to begin its recess from Thursday.

Source: The Indian Express