U.S. sanctions package targets top Russian energy customers, India in focus

President Donald Trump signed into law a sweeping sanctions bill that empowers him to charge a 100% tariff on any nation importing oil or gas from Russia. The legislation, passed by the House and Senate earlier this month, is designed to choke the financial lifelines that fuel Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

According to former diplomat K.P. Fabian, the law provides the president with flexibility: he may apply the tariff selectively and can refrain if the measure would harm U.S. interests. The list of targeted importers includes China (50% of Russian energy exports), India (37%), Turkey (5%), the European Union (5%) and a combined share of Azerbaijan and Hungary (3%).

Fabian warned that the United States could use the tariff threat to pressure India into signing an interim trade deal, but he doubts India will acquiesce. He urged the Indian foreign ministry to summon the American ambassador for clarification.

The bill, titled the Lindse O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was approved by the House with a 262‑159 margin and the Senate by 86‑11. It also allows up to 500% duties on certain Russian goods and mandates a bi‑annual review to expand the scope of affected countries.