US Lawmaker Moves Amendment Naming India in Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill

A US lawmaker has introduced an amendment that names India within the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, a bill that cleared the US Senate by an overwhelming 86-11 vote last month.

The legislation is aimed at tightening pressure on Moscow and Tehran. Beyond targeting Russia's leadership and its energy sector, the bill seeks to impose sanctions on the "shadow fleet" — the network of vessels that helps Russia evade existing restrictions on its oil deliveries.

The proposed amendment would draw India into the scope of that framework, though the wire material does not specify the measures it envisages or the lawmaker behind it.

The Senate's lopsided endorsement of the bill signals broad bipartisan backing for a harder line on Russia and Iran. The amendment's reference to India comes amid continuing international scrutiny of oil trade routes used to circumvent sanctions.

Further details on the amendment's provisions and its prospects in the legislative process were not immediately available.