Archive · 17 Sep 2026
India Defends Russian Oil Purchases Amid US Tariff Threat
The United States has passed a bill that could put very large tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
India buys a lot of Russian energy and says it does this to keep fuel available for its 1.4 billion people.
In June 2026, India bought €5.5 billion worth of Russian hydrocarbons.
Most of that money, €4.5 billion, was spent on crude oil.
China remains the largest buyer of Russian crude, while India is second.
The bill still needs President Donald Trump’s signature.
The United States says the bill is meant to reduce the money Russia receives from energy sales.
India says it will keep watching the situation, use different energy suppliers and protect its economic interests.
The two countries have discussed the possible effects on their relationship and global energy markets.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said energy security for its 1.4 billion people remains its priority.
The US House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which allows tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
The bill still awaits President Donald Trump’s signature and would also sanction vessels, logistics firms, banks, officials and energy companies linked to Russia.
India imported €5.5 billion in Russian hydrocarbons in June 2026, including €4.5 billion in crude oil, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.
India said it would diversify energy sourcing, protect its trade interests and work with domestic industry to address the measure’s effects.
- Who
- India, the United States, Russia, China, India’s Ministry of External Affairs and US President Donald Trump.
- What
- The US House passed a bill allowing potential tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas, prompting India to defend its energy-import policy.
- When
- The bill passed the US House on Wednesday; the article reports India’s import figures for June 2026.
- Where
- The measure was passed in the United States and concerns Russian energy purchases by countries including India and China.
- Why
- The United States says it wants to cut off funds to Russia, while India says Russian energy purchases support the energy security of its 1.4 billion people.
India’s Energy-Security Position
US Sanctions Position
Reason for the policy
India’s Energy-Security Position
India says it must ensure affordable and reliable energy security for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing and changing market conditions.
US Sanctions Position
The United States says the bill is intended to cut off sources of funds for Russia and disrupt Moscow’s energy revenues.
Economic consequences
India’s Energy-Security Position
India says the measure could affect the bilateral relationship and international energy markets, and that it will take steps to protect its trade and economic interests.
US Sanctions Position
The bill gives the US president discretionary authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major foreign buyers of Russian crude and natural gas.
Treatment of Russian energy trade
India’s Energy-Security Position
India remains a major buyer of Russian crude, importing a record €4.5 billion in June 2026, according to the reported CREA data.
US Sanctions Position
The bill targets vessels, logistics companies and maritime operators involved in transporting Russian oil, along with Russian officials, banks and energy enterprises.
- Potential tariff
- Up to 100% on nations buying Russian crude oil and natural gas
- Bill status
- Passed by the US House; awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature
- India’s June 2026 Russian energy imports
- €5.5 billion
- India’s June crude imports from Russia
- €4.5 billion, up 34% month-on-month
- India’s Russian import breakdown
- Crude oil 83%, oil products €488 million, and coal €444 million
- Global crude-import ranking
- India ranked second among Russian crude buyers; China ranked first
- India’s stated response
- Diversified sourcing, protection of trade interests and coordination with Indian industry