US Bill Threatens 100% Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers; India Monitors Closely

India is 'closely monitoring' a new US bill that could slap 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, a move directly aimed at cutting off funds for Russia's war in Ukraine. The US Senate overwhelmingly passed the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026' on July 28, 2026, with an 86-12 vote, giving the US President the power to impose these steep duties on major importers like India. New Delhi has made it clear that its energy choices are driven by national priorities and the need to secure affordable, reliable supplies for its 1.4 billion citizens. This aggressive legislative push from Washington comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues its grinding pace, with Russia making minimal territorial gains at a heavy cost. The bill targets not only direct buyers of Russian energy but also those facilitating sanctions evasion, specifically mentioning the 'shadow fleet' operations. With India accounting for a significant 36-38% of Russia's oil exports, this bill presents a complex challenge, potentially forcing India to navigate between its economic interests and maintaining a strong relationship with the US. The bill now moves to the US House of Representatives for further consideration. Should it become law, it would empower President Donald Trump to reassess the top five purchasers of Russian oil every 180 days, adjusting tariff rates based on purchasing behavior. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that New Delhi is actively engaging with US stakeholders at various levels to discuss this matter, indicating ongoing high-level diplomatic efforts to mitigate potential economic fallout.