US President Donald Trump has proposed changes to a Russia sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and four other countries, saying the legislation should also give him broader authority to levy tariffs on Iran.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said expanding the bill’s scope would better reflect the intentions of its late author, Senator Lindsey Graham. His remarks come after the US Senate advanced the legislation in a key procedural vote aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine.
“It shouldn’t be necessary, to be honest. But if it’s necessary, I’d like them to add Iran as tariffs, not just as sanctions. I think that’s important. That’s what Lindsey wanted,” Trump said.
What is the Russia sanctions bill?
The proposed legislation, authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, seeks to strengthen sanctions against Russia while allowing the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that remain major purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas.
The Senate approved a procedural motion by an 86-12 vote, allowing the bill to move forward. If enacted, the measure would target India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan, countries identified as significant buyers of Russian energy.
The bill also grants the US President discretion to impose, reduce or remove the proposed tariffs.
Why India is in focus
India is currently the second-largest importer of Russian crude oil after China. Its purchases increased significantly after disruptions in global energy markets caused by the conflict in West Asia and the temporary blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Following a US waiver on Russian oil imports earlier this year, India’s purchases of Russian crude rose sharply. According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India’s imports increased by 34% in June 2026, reaching a record value of €4.5 billion and accounting for around 36% of Russia’s crude oil export revenue.
Potential impact on India-US trade
If the bill becomes law and the proposed tariffs are implemented, it could add fresh pressure to India-US trade relations.
The two countries are currently negotiating a bilateral trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on Indian exports. However, additional duties linked to Russian energy imports could complicate those negotiations.
The US had previously imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in 2025 over New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil. That decision temporarily raised total tariffs on some Indian exports to 50%, straining economic ties between the two countries.
Bill still faces hurdles
Although the Senate has advanced the legislation, it has not yet become law.
The proposal must clear additional legislative stages in the Senate before moving to the House of Representatives, which is expected to reconvene in September. Some lawmakers, including Democrats, have expressed concerns about granting the President broad tariff powers, arguing that such authority could increase import costs and affect US consumers.
Trump’s proposal to expand the bill by including Iran could further delay its progress as lawmakers debate possible amendments.
