A US lawmaker has suggested adding India to a list of countries that might face tariffs under a new sanctions law against Russia. Congressman Steny Hoyer wants India and nine others to be included, with potential duties of up to 100%. The Senate already passed this law, but the House needs to review it before it can go to President Trump for approval.What Is the Russia Sanctions Act?The Russia Sanctions Act is a proposed U.S. law to put more economic pressure on Russia because of its war in Ukraine. It aims to increase sanctions on Russia and those who do a lot of business with Russian energy. It could let the U.S. president charge tariffs up to 100% on countries that keep buying Russian oil and gas, based on what Congress decides. The bill has gained attention in India since it lists India as a country that might face new tariffs. But there isn't a new 100% tariff on India yet. This proposal is still going through the U.S. legislative process. It's meant to hurt Russia's economy and stop other countries from backing Russia's energy profits. It also targets groups and ships that help Russia skip current sanctions.In simple terms, the Russia Sanctions Act is a U.S. proposal to tighten economic restrictions on Russia and potentially penalise major buyers of Russian energy.Also Read: Strait of Hormuz Traffic Falls as Middle East Attacks IntensifyWhy India Is Named In BillThe proposed amendment would specifically identify countries considered major trading partners of Russia for the bill's secondary tariff mechanism. India is among the countries listed by Hoyer, along with China, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The proposed measure is linked to US efforts to pressure Russia over revenues from oil and gas exports.India is specifically named in the proposed House amendment.The amendment covers 10 countries in total.The proposed tariff authority could reach 100 per cent.The Senate version does not specifically name individual countries.The House still has to decide the bill and its amendments.Senate Bill Targets Russia TradeThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 aims to put more financial pressure on Russia's leaders and its energy sector. It also targets ships linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet,' which helps transport oil despite sanctions. The Senate approved the bill with an 86-11 vote on August 7.House Faces Competing ProposalsThe proposed India amendment is not the only change under consideration. Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks has introduced a separate amendment seeking to remove Section 113, which contains the authority to impose broad secondary tariffs on Russia's trading partners. His proposal reflects opposition to giving the US president wider tariff powers.Meeks has also proposed allowing temporary sanctions waivers when they are considered important to US national security. Another amendment from him seeks to authorise billion in direct loans to Ukraine for defence procurement. The competing proposals could influence the final shape of the legislation.Key HighlightsCongressman Steny Hoyer proposed explicitly naming India in the bill.The amendment lists 10 countries eligible for proposed duties.Potential tariffs under the provision could reach 100 per cent.The Senate passed the broader sanctions bill 86-11.Congressman Gregory Meeks wants the tariff provision removed.The House must approve the final legislation before it reaches Trump.ConclusionThe new amendment has made people pay more attention to US-India trade ties since it might affect India if they buy a lot of Russian energy. But right now, there’s no new 100% tariff on India. Lawmakers still have to review the bill and other proposals before making a final decision, which could shape how the US deals with countries trading energy with Russia.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge and news-information purposes only and reflects the latest available reports; it does not represent a final decision on future tariffs or sanctions.
