India faces severe trade uncertainties as the US House of Representatives prepares to vote on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which could empower President Donald Trump to slap up to 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian crude oil. With Russia accounting for over 30% of India’s crude imports, worth $40.8 billion, New Delhi reaffirmed its position, stating energy sourcing decisions remain strictly guided by national interest. Amid these external threats, Niti Aayog recommended urgent regulatory reforms for India’s metals and ores trade, emphasizing the need to strengthen mineral exploration, ease Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) compliance, and address 100% import dependence on critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. On the regulatory front, CBIC Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi outlined plans to integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time analytics into Customs clearances to move towards a paperless and near-touchless experience. The CBIC is also developing a unified portal to track indirect tax compliance histories, streamlining access to Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) trusted-trader benefits and lowering overall transaction costs for Indian businesses looking to integrate into global markets.