Washington/New Delhi: The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) held a virtual briefing on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, examining the proposed legislation and its potential consequences for India and other countries that continue to import Russian energy.
The session was organised in collaboration with USISPF member law firm Jenner & Block LLP. Rachel Alpert, Partner at Jenner & Block LLP, provided an assessment of the Bill from both legal and policy perspectives, including its possible impact on India’s energy imports, international trade and businesses dealing with Russian energy.
The discussion also focused on the Bill’s legislative journey and the uncertainty surrounding its next stage. The legislation has cleared the U.S. Senate, but its prospects and timeline in the House of Representatives remain unclear.
What is the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act?
The proposed legislation seeks to significantly increase economic pressure on Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Among its key provisions are measures aimed not only at Russian individuals and entities but also at countries that continue to conduct substantial business involving Russian energy.
A major area of concern is the proposed authority to impose steep tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil and other energy products. The Senate version provides for tariffs of up to 100% in certain circumstances.
This provision has attracted particular attention in India because Indian refiners have continued to purchase Russian crude oil, making India one of the major international buyers of Russian energy.
Why it matters for India
If enacted in its current form, the legislation could potentially create additional pressure on countries importing Russian energy and could have wider implications for India-U.S. trade and India’s energy procurement strategy.
However, the Bill has not yet become U.S. law. It still has to navigate the House of Representatives and other legislative steps before it can take effect. Its ultimate provisions and implementation could therefore change during the legislative process.
The USISPF briefing provided businesses and stakeholders with an opportunity to understand the potential legal, economic and geopolitical consequences of the proposed sanctions regime.
With India maintaining significant energy ties with Russia while simultaneously deepening its economic relationship with the United States, the progress of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act will remain an important issue for New Delhi, Indian businesses and the wider global energy market.