How will the U.S.’s Sanctioning Act affect India? | Explained

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, 2026 , which could see tariffs of up to 100% being levied on imports from India if it continues to import oil from Russia. This Act, therefore, has significant implications for India with regard to its export ambitions and energy security. The Indian government’s concerns over the tariffs have so far gone unheeded.

The initial purpose of the Act — proposed by the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham and named after him — was to cut off financing for Russia so as to choke its funding of its war with Ukraine. To this end, the Act provides for sanctions to be levied on Russia’s top leadership and its biggest energy customers.