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Informist, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026

MUMBAI – US President Donald Trump on Friday signed into law the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, authorising and expanding statutory sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions targeting Russia and extending existing sanctions on Iran, the White House said.

"On Friday, September 18, 2026, the President signed into law H.R. 5334, the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,' which authorises and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran," the White House said on its website.

The law gives the president greater authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue to purchase energy from Russia, including potential tariffs of up to 100%, while also imposing sanctions targeting Russian officials, financial institutions, the energy sector and the country's "shadow fleet" of tankers. 

The US House of Representatives passed the legislation by 262-159 on Wednesday, following its passage by the Senate in August. The administration has said the measures are intended to increase economic pressure on Russia and encourage progress towards a negotiated resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Meanwhile, India's external affairs ministry said on Thursday that India is "firmly committed" to ensure energy security and would continue to import energy "through diversified sources". The government has noted the passage of the 'Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress', the ministry said in a statement, adding that India was also "monitoring further developments on this matter."

The ministry said the issue of energy imports from Russia had been discussed at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors. "Its potential implications for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market have been very clearly articulated by the Indian side," the statement said. 

With 100% tariff, the bill directly impacts India, China, and three other countries for their purchases of Russian oil and gas. Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, India has emerged as one of the world's largest buyers of discounted Russian crude oil and Russia now accounts for a substantial share of India's imports.  End

Reported by Meera Nair

Edited by Avishek Dutta

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