Washington is tightening its rules on countries like India and China for continuing to buy Russian oil and gas, arguing that such purchases help finance Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Yet, when American energy security is at stake, the United States has carved out its own exceptions to restrictions on Russian supplies.
The latest move came on Wednesday, when the US House of Representatives passed the ‘ Lindsey O. India and China are among the countries that could be affected. However, the legislation included an important waiver mechanism. Under the rules issued by the US Department of Energy, imports of Russian low-enriched uranium can still be permitted if no viable alternative is available to keep a nuclear reactor or American nuclear energy company operating, or if the import is deemed to be in the national interest. India has always maintained that the purchase of Russian crude is linked to its energy-security requirements. The legislation is specifically designed to reduce the reliance of countries on Russian oil and gas.
Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 ’ by 262 votes to 159. The legislation, which now goes to President Donald Trump, seeks to intensify economic pressure on Russia and gives the president the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue importing Russian energy. The United States banned imports of Russian low-enriched uranium in 2024. The waiver provisions can remain in place until no later than 1 January 2028, according to the The Prohibiting Uranium Imports Act of 2024 signed by then US President Joe Biden. Released on 29th July 2025, American nuclear operators bought 13 million separative work units of enrichment services in 2025, according to the latest data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). But Washington now backs legislation that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries such as India that keep buying Russian energy.
The waiver system is designed to avoid disruption to nuclear reactors while alternative sources are developed, the Department of Energy has said.
