United States President Donald Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Law Allowing 100% Tariffs on Buyers of Russian Oil, India at Risk

Key facts

• US President Donald Trump signed into law a Russia sanctions bill on Friday, September 19, 2026, authorising tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
• The law requires Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on goods imported from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, though it does not name specific countries.
• India and China are among the biggest buyers of Russian oil, and the new law could pave the way for steep tariffs on Indian goods entering the United States.
• The bill, passed by Congress on Wednesday, targets Russia's energy and defence sectors and its 'shadow fleet' of tankers accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions, while giving Trump authority to waive tariffs or sanctions on national security grounds.
• White House legislative director James Braid said the legislation marks the first time in nearly 40 years that Congress has granted new tariff authorities to the executive branch.
• Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on more than 80 countries, many of which the Supreme Court struck down as exceeding his authority; duties under the new law would be harder to challenge because Congress explicitly authorised them.
• India has warned that new US tariffs could affect bilateral ties, while China has opposed the law as 'long-arm jurisdiction' lacking a basis in international law.