House amendment names India among countries that could face punitive duties over trade with Moscow
India has been named in a proposed amendment to a US Russia sanctions bill that could allow Washington to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries trading in Russian oil and gas.
The amendment, introduced by Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, lists India among 10 countries that could face the duties. The proposal comes as the legislation moves through the House of Representatives, with lawmakers facing a limited window before a scheduled recess ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The move marks a change from the Senate-approved version of the bill, which avoided naming individual countries. Instead, it referred to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume — a description widely understood to include India and China.
Bill seeks tougher action against Russia
The legislation, known as the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, passed the Senate on August 7 by 86 votes to 11. It seeks tougher sanctions on Russia’s energy sector and vessels accused of helping Moscow bypass existing oil restrictions.
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US lawmakers supporting the bill argue that revenue from Russian energy exports helps finance the war in Ukraine
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The proposed measures would give the President broad powers to impose tariffs on countries continuing significant trade with Russia
The amendment names China, India, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
House debate could change India’s position
The tariff proposal faces opposition from some lawmakers. Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks has introduced an amendment seeking to remove the section granting the President extensive tariff powers. Three other lawmakers have joined the effort.
Meeks has also proposed allowing sanctions to be paused for 90 days at a time when required for US national security. In a separate amendment, he has called for $15 billion in direct loans to Ukraine for defence equipment and services.
The House Rules Committee released the amendments on Monday. The House has yet to vote on the bill, meaning India’s position remains uncertain.
The final legislation could retain the named list, revert to the Senate’s broader wording or remove the tariff provision altogether before it reaches the President for approval.
