US President Donald Trump is poised to sign the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 this Friday, according to a report from news agency ANI, citing a White House official. This legislation aims to impose significant sanctions on both nations as part of ongoing efforts to address geopolitical tensions.
Notably, the proposed law would allow the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas, including India.
It also includes measures against vessels associated with Russia’s “shadow fleet”. These ships have helped Russia continue energy exports despite Western sanctions, according to the US.
However, its passage through the House was delayed by disagreements over tariff provisions and their potential impact on American trade policy. The package also includes Trump’s proposal to extend existing sanctions on Iran by five years. This provision played a significant role in obtaining his support for the bill.
The US Senate passed the legislation in an 86-11 vote on August 7.
In a statement, India’s external affairs ministry said the government was determined “to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests” and would coordinate with trade and industry organisations to address the possible impact. The ministry said India had discussed the legislation “at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors”. It added that New Delhi had “very clearly articulated” the potential consequences — “for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market. Reaffirming its position, the ministry said India’s energy purchases are based on national interest. “India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” it said, adding that the country would continue buying energy through “diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics.
