A new US sanctions bill has put India’s purchases of Russian oil under fresh scrutiny. The legislation, passed by the US Congress, gives President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue buying Russian energy under specified conditions. India, one of the major buyers of Russian crude, could therefore be affected if the tariff provision is used. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors and also extends sanctions involving Iran. The US House of Representatives passed the bill 262-159 on 16 September. The Senate had already passed the legislation. It has now been sent to Trump for final approval. The bill authorises tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that buy Russian oil and gas, under the conditions set out in the legislation. It does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India. India has remained a major buyer of Russian crude oil. The US has argued that revenues from Russian energy exports contribute to Moscow's ability to continue its war in Ukraine. US Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal directly addressed India and China after the bill passed, saying they should buy their oil and gas elsewhere. On 17 September, India said it remained committed to protecting its energy security, trade and economic interests. The government also said the potential impact of the US legislation on bilateral ties and global energy markets had been discussed with US officials. For now, the bill creates the possibility of tariffs of up to 100%, rather than imposing them automatically on India.