India could face additional US tariffs of up to 100% on its exports after Congress approved legislation targeting major buyers of Russian energy, the Global Trade Research Initiative said.

The US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262-159 on September 16, after the Senate approved it 86-11 on August 7. The legislation now goes to President Donald Trump.

The bill allows the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas and the five largest facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion. India, one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude, could therefore come within the measure’s scope.

GTRI said the legislation could give Washington additional leverage over New Delhi at a time when the two countries are negotiating a bilateral trade agreement.

“India should not allow US tariff threats to determine its energy policy,” GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava said, arguing that New Delhi should continue buying Russian crude as long as it remains commercially competitive.

India imports more than 88% of its crude-oil requirements. GTRI estimated that Russia accounted for roughly half of India’s crude imports in July, sharply increasing the country’s exposure to any US action against buyers of Russian energy. Independent trade-source data put Russia’s July share at 50.83%.

GTRI estimated Russian crude imports at about $7.3 billion in July, based on available government trade data and the composition of imports in the previous month. It had cautioned that the estimate should be revised once detailed country- and product-level July data became available.

Russia’s importance to India’s crude basket has risen sharply since 2022, while the share of traditional Gulf suppliers has declined. GTRI said replacing Russian volumes quickly could raise India’s import bill, disrupt refinery economics and add to inflationary pressures.

The legislation does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India. It gives the US president authority to impose targeted duties of up to that level, meaning the eventual impact will depend on the countries selected, tariff rates, product coverage and implementation timetable.

GTRI said India should protect its energy interests while negotiating with Washington and avoid linking oil sourcing decisions directly to concessions in trade talks.