Washington: A major new US sanctions package targeting Russia has cleared the Senate, potentially exposing countries such as India and China to steep tariffs if they continue purchasing Russian oil and natural gas.
The Senate approved the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an 86-11 vote on Friday. The legislation is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow and reducing the revenue Russia receives from its energy exports.
The bill does not immediately impose a 100% tariff on India or China. Instead, it would give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest buyers of Russian oil or natural gas.
India and China are among the countries that could potentially be affected under the provision because of their continued purchases of Russian energy.
What the Russia Sanctions Bill Proposes
Beyond the tariff provision, the legislation contains a wide range of measures targeting Russia’s political leadership, financial institutions, energy projects and individuals associated with the country’s military and government.
The package also seeks to strengthen restrictions on vessels used to transport Russian oil and circumvent existing sanctions. These measures are aimed at limiting Moscow’s ability to generate revenue through its energy exports.
The legislation includes provisions that could exempt certain countries from the additional tariff measures. Among the conditions is a provision concerning nations that obtain less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia while taking meaningful steps to reduce their dependence.
The bill also gives the White House the ability to waive certain sanctions or restrictions if the president determines that doing so is in the US national interest.
Bill Named After Late Senator Lindsey Graham
The legislation was named in honour of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent supporter of Ukraine who died in July at the age of 71. His sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was subsequently appointed to serve the remainder of his Senate term and was present in the chamber for the vote.
Graham had been one of the leading congressional advocates for tougher economic measures against Russia. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal also played a key role in advancing the bipartisan legislation after working on the proposal with Graham for more than a year.
Supporters of the measure have described it as an attempt to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and strengthen US support for Ukraine.
Next Stop: US House
The Senate vote is not the final step for the legislation. The bill must now be considered by the US House of Representatives.
The House is scheduled to return from its August recess on August 31, when lawmakers are expected to take up the measure. Its prospects there remain uncertain, particularly because some lawmakers have expressed concerns about giving the president broad authority to impose tariffs on countries buying Russian energy.
Iran Sanctions Also Included
The legislation goes beyond Russia-related measures. It also extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 until 2031, maintaining US penalties connected to investment in Iran’s energy sector.
If ultimately approved by both chambers and signed into law, the package could have significant implications for countries maintaining substantial energy ties with Russia, including India, while giving the Trump administration another potential tool for applying economic pressure on Moscow.
