A revised bipartisan sanctions bill introduced in the United States Senate could expose India and other major buyers of Russian energy to tariffs of up to 100% if enacted. The proposed legislation seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia while encouraging countries such as India and China to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas imports. The bill, backed by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, represents a scaled-back version of an earlier proposal that had called for tariffs of up to 500% on countries purchasing Russian energy.

The legislation was originally introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal in April 2025 and has now been updated with significant changes. According to the revised proposal, the maximum tariff on the largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas would be capped at 100%. The bill also includes provisions to impose sanctions on Russian government officials, major financial institutions, the country's central bank and key energy projects, including the Yamal LNG venture. It further targets Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers used to transport sanctioned oil.

One of the key revisions introduces an exemption for countries that import less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports, provided they are actively reducing their dependence on Russian supplies. The exemption could benefit countries such as Japan, France, Hungary and Belgium. However, India and China remain among the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil and would continue to face potential exposure under the proposed legislation if it becomes law.

Also Read: PM Modi's July 17 Punjab Visit Aims to Boost BJP's Sikh Outreach

The bill also grants US President Donald Trump the authority to waive sanctions or tariffs if he determines that doing so serves the national interest of the United States. Senate aides said the legislation currently has the support of 26 co-sponsors, with additional lawmakers expected to join. Supporters of the measure have expressed confidence that it has a strong chance of advancing through the legislative process.

Speaking at the White House, President Trump suggested that additional sanctions targeting Iran and Hezbollah could be incorporated into the legislation, describing the proposal as a significant measure. However, Senator Richard Blumenthal reportedly cautioned against broadening the scope of the bill, arguing that expanding it further could complicate its passage through Congress.

If approved by both chambers of the US Congress and signed into law, the legislation could have significant implications for global energy markets and international trade. For India, which has substantially increased imports of discounted Russian crude in recent years, the proposed tariffs could present fresh economic and diplomatic challenges. While the bill has yet to complete the legislative process, it signals continued efforts by US lawmakers to intensify pressure on Russia by targeting its energy export revenues and the countries that continue to purchase them.

Also Read: ‘Brutal And Targeted’: Counter-Terror Police Investigate Murder Of Ann Widdecombe