Primary News Report:
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) passed a legislation targeting Russia’s energy sector, individuals and “shadow fleet” of tankers, including authorising the U.S. President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and other countries for buying oil and gas from Russia. The House voted 262-159 in favour of the Bill.
The Bill, which will now be sent President Donald Trump for his signature, could result in significant U.S. tariffs on India.
This Bill comes as New Delhi and Washington have been negotiating a preliminary trade deal, with India also increasing its purchase of Russian oil in comparison to last year. The President will have the authority, under the legislation, to waive sanctions in national interest.
What the Bill says on potential target countries
Countries that would be potential targets for the tariff are the top five “largest importers, by total volume” of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas in the 12 months preceding the date of enactment of the law, and have knowingly made new purchases of Russian crude oil after 30 days from the date the Bill becomes law.
A country that is among the top five countries “facilitating Russian oil sanctions evasion” would also be eligible for the tariffs of up to 100%.
Source: The Hindu • Read Original Reporting
