US Senate Revises Russia Sanctions Bill; Lowers Proposed India Tariff from 500% to 100%

The United States Senate has introduced a revised version of its proposed Russia sanctions bill, easing the tariff provisions for countries importing Russian energy, as per a PTI news report. 

Under the updated proposal, the maximum tariff has been reduced from 500% to 100% and will apply only to the five largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, a group that includes India. 

Key Changes in the Bill 

The revised legislation is a softer version of the Sanctioning Russia Act, which was first introduced in April 2025. 

The earlier proposal called for tariffs of up to 500% on countries purchasing Russian oil, natural gas and other energy products. The latest version narrows the scope by limiting the tariff to the five largest importers instead of applying it to all buyers. 

Speaking at a press conference, Senator Richard Blumenthal said the proposal includes targeted tariffs of up to 100%, along with a narrowly defined waiver provision. He identified the five largest purchasers as China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan. 

Exemptions and Additional Measures 

The revised bill also introduces an exemption for countries that purchase less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and are taking meaningful steps to reduce those imports. According to Senate aides, Japan, France, Hungary and Belgium could benefit from this provision. 

Beyond tariffs, the legislation proposes fresh sanctions targeting Russia's energy, defence, financial and industrial sectors. It also covers Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, and major energy projects including Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG 1, 2 and 3. 

Legislative Background 

The legislation was led by late Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal. Before his death last week, Graham said he had reached an agreement with US President Donald Trump during a visit to Ukraine to move the bill forward after more than a year of discussions. 

Senate aides said the proposal currently has 26 co-sponsors and is expected to attract additional support. 

The bill also gives President Trump the authority to waive sanctions if doing so is considered to be in the US national interest. 

Read More: India-UK Free Trade Agreement Comes into Force Today on July 15, 2026: What It Means for Trade, Automobiles, IT and Consumers! 

Conclusion 

The revised proposal reduces the proposed tariff on major buyers of Russian energy while introducing exemptions and additional sanctions targeting key sectors of Russia's economy. It also retains provisions from the original legislation covering trade in Russian-origin uranium and petroleum products.   

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