Aug 10, 2026 14:04 pm IST

Opinion | 86 Votes, 1 Warning: Is India Turning Into Collateral Damage In US' War On Russia?

Washington wants to sever Russian energy income, but India could end up paying the price for it

Brig (Retd) Anil Raman Brig (Retd) Anil Raman Columnist

Brig (Retd) Anil Raman Columnist

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was approved by the United States Senate with 86 votes against 11. The bill will now be sent to the House, which resumes sessions on August 31. New Delhi must act before then to shape the final legislation.

The bill grants the President authority to impose tariffs up to 100% on imports from third countries to build pressure on Russia. The July version limits this secondary-tariff provision to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. India is a prime member of that category.

If regarded merely as another American trade threat, the measure will be misunderstood. Moscow is the target. Washington wants to sever Russian energy income and has decided to use access to the American market to achieve this. India is seriously affected by this.

The arrangement indicates India's standing in America's strategic calculations. Washington sees defence and technology cooperation with New Delhi as tied to the economic pressure over the latter's commercial ties with Russia. As long as Indian interests align with American priorities, the partnership protects them; where they differ, protection disappears.

Tariff Power Becomes Statute

A 100%........

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