US President Donald Trump signed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on Friday, September 18.
The law allows tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from the five largest buyers of Russian crude and gas, with the list reassessed every 180 days.
It does not impose tariffs automatically, and the President will decide whether and at what rate to apply them.
India imported about 2.08 million barrels per day of Russian crude in August, around 45 percent of its imports.
The Ministry of External Affairs said India will take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on Friday, September 18, 2026.
The law authorises tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian crude oil and gas.
The list of the five largest purchasers is to be reassessed every 180 days.
The law does not automatically impose tariffs on India, and it leaves the decision on whether and at what rate to apply them to the President.
India is among the countries that could fall within the law’s scope because of its substantial purchases of Russian energy.
India imported about 2.08 million barrels per day of Russian crude in August 2026, around 45 percent of its total imports.
In July 2026, Russian crude accounted for about 2.82 million barrels per day, or 56 percent of India’s imports.
India is the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil.
The Ministry of External Affairs said it had taken note of the passage of the bill and was monitoring developments.
It said India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing and evolving market dynamics.
The ministry said India has made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
Essar Oil refinery, India (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
