What you need to know
- Indian exports to the US could face 100% levy
- The tariff threat comes after the US Senate passed its latest Russian sanctions bill
Here's a roundup of the biggest headlines from India* on Saturday, August 8: *
US passes bill threatening 100% tariffs on India
The US Senate has passed a bill that would allow the Trump administration to impose tariffs up to 100% on goods from countries like India and China that purchase Russian oil and gas.
The bill, according to US lawmakers, is aimed at curtailing Russia's funding for its war in Ukraine.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was passed with an overwhelming vote of 86-11.
Why is the bill troublesome for India?
India is among the world's top importers of Russian oil and gas, and its purchase of discounted Russian crudes has gone up since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022.
With the conflict in the Middle East disrupting energy markets, Russian crude has become an important alternative source for Indian refiners.
If 100% tariffs are imposed on Indian goods exported to the US, it will make them significantly more expensive, which could force US importers to look for alternative suppliers.
The bill does not automatically impose tariffs, but rather allows US President Donald Trump the discretion to impose them, with the implementation depending on the final law and subsequent executive decisions.
Welcome to our coverage
Hello! This is Midhat from the DW New Delhi bureau bringing you all the latest updates from across India.
After a full day of heavy downpour in Delhi and the adjoining areas, the capital has a brief respite from the rain. However, weather agencies have forecast more rain in the next few days.
Delhi is apprehensive after the US Senate passed a bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on India, China and three other countries heavily reliant on Russian oil and gas.
Meanwhile, a day after India and China held talks on border security in Arunachal Pradesh, New Delhi formally named 27 places in the northeastern state to counter China's attempts to create "baseless narratives."
Stay tuned for all this and more.