US President Donald Trump has signed legislation that could allow Washington to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and other countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and natural gas.
The measure, approved by the US Congress, gives the Trump administration authority to impose additional tariffs on countries that continue knowingly buying Russian crude oil after specified conditions are met.
Under the legislation, the tariffs could target the five countries that imported the largest volumes of Russian crude oil or natural gas during the 12 months preceding the law’s implementation. If those countries continue knowingly purchasing Russian crude 30 days after the law takes effect, they could face tariffs of up to 100%.
The legislation also allows the administration to target up to five countries accused of helping Russia evade restrictions on its oil trade.
However, the law does not mean that a 100% tariff on India has taken effect immediately. Rather, it creates the legal authority for the administration to impose such tariffs if the specified conditions are met.
Some countries could also qualify for exemptions, including those that have significantly reduced their imports of Russian natural gas or whose purchases account for less than 15% of Russia’s total natural-gas exports.
India said it would continue efforts to safeguard the country’s energy security by sourcing fuel from “multiple sources.”
The legislation was passed by the US House of Representatives on September 16, after receiving Senate approval on August 7. It was signed by Trump on Friday, September 18.
The measure was named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who had supported the legislation before his death in July.
Washington has long argued that Russia uses revenue from energy exports to finance its war in Ukraine. The proposed tariffs are part of broader US efforts to pressure countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.
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