‘India, You Better Buy Oil Somewhere Else’: US Senator’s Warning After Russia Sanctions Bill Clears House

Washington/New Delhi: A fresh warning from a US senator has put India's purchases of Russian crude oil under renewed scrutiny after the US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told reporters that India and China should look for alternative sources of oil and gas as Washington seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine.

“China and India, you better buy your oil and gas somewhere else,” Blumenthal said, according to reports. He added that continuing to buy Russian energy would carry consequences.

The comments came after the House passed the legislation by 262-159 on Wednesday. The bill now moves to President Donald Trump for his consideration.

What does the Russia sanctions bill mean for India?

The legislation expands sanctions targeting Russia's leadership, financial institutions and energy sector, while also seeking to penalise vessels associated with Russia's so-called “shadow fleet”, which Washington says helps Moscow circumvent existing sanctions.

One of the most significant provisions for India is the authority it gives the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas under specified conditions.

India and China are among the countries that could be affected because of their continued purchases of Russian energy.

However, the House vote does not itself impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods. Rather, it creates a legal mechanism allowing the US president to impose such duties if the statutory conditions are met and the authority is exercised.

Why is Washington targeting Russian oil buyers?

US lawmakers supporting the legislation argue that Russia's energy revenues help sustain its war effort in Ukraine. By increasing the potential cost of doing business with Moscow, the bill seeks to put pressure on Russia as well as countries that continue to purchase its oil and gas.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen also argued that Washington needs to send a strong message to countries purchasing Russian energy. She specifically pointed to Russia's alleged use of a shadow fleet to keep oil exports moving despite Western sanctions.

The measure also includes provisions expanding sanctions against Iran.

India remains a major buyer of Russian crude

India significantly increased its purchases of Russian crude after the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted global energy markets and Western sanctions altered traditional oil trade routes.

According to data cited by the Economic Times, India imported $40.8 billion worth of Russian crude in FY2026, accounting for around 30.3% of its total crude imports during the period.

For New Delhi, Russian crude has been an important component of its energy sourcing strategy. Any significant change in access to Russian oil could therefore have implications for India's energy procurement and trade relationship with Washington.

Bill passed with bipartisan support

The House approved the legislation with support from 203 Republicans, 58 Democrats and one Independent, while seven Republicans and 152 Democrats voted against it. The measure had earlier passed the Senate by an 86-11 vote.

The legislation has nevertheless faced criticism from some Democrats, who have questioned the breadth of the tariff authority it would give the Trump administration.

The House passage now shifts attention to the White House and to how, if enacted, the administration chooses to use the new powers.

For India, the immediate issue is not an automatic 100% tariff but the possibility of future US trade penalties linked to continued purchases of Russian oil and gas. The development adds another layer to the already complex energy and trade relationship between New Delhi and Washington.