Archive · 18 Sep 2026
India Warns US Sanctions Bill Could Strain Ties
The United States is considering a law to put more pressure on Russia and Iran.
The law could let President Donald Trump place very high tariffs on countries that keep buying Russian oil and gas.
India buys energy from Russia but says it also uses other suppliers.
India says it needs affordable and reliable energy for its 1.4 billion people.
Its foreign ministry warned that the law could affect energy markets and India’s relationship with the United States.
India said it has already discussed the issue with senior American officials.
India also said it would protect its trade and economic interests.
The law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India, because the president would decide whether and how to use the power.
India warned that proposed US sanctions on buyers of Russian oil and gas could affect India-US relations and international energy markets.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would authorize President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing to import Russian energy.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said meeting the energy needs of its 1.4 billion people remains an imperative and that it relies on diversified sources.
New Delhi said it had conveyed its concerns to senior US officials and was prepared to protect its trade and economic interests.
The legislation targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors and expands sanctions on Iran, but any tariffs on India would depend on the Trump administration’s decisions.
- Who
- India, the United States, President Donald Trump, and India’s Ministry of External Affairs are central to the issue.
- What
- India warned that a US sanctions bill targeting buyers of Russian oil and gas could affect bilateral ties and energy markets.
- When
- The reports were published on September 18, 2026; the MEA statements were issued on Thursday and Friday during the legislation’s passage.
- Where
- The legislation is moving through the US Congress, while its potential effects involve India-US trade and international energy markets.
- Why
- The US bill seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia and Iran, while India says it must secure energy for 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing.
India’s Energy and Trade Concerns
US Sanctions Strategy
Russian energy purchases
India’s Energy and Trade Concerns
India says its energy purchases are driven by domestic requirements, market conditions, reliable supplies, and the need to serve 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing.
US Sanctions Strategy
The bill seeks to pressure countries that continue importing Russian oil and gas because such trade is described as supporting Moscow’s economy and military operations in Ukraine.
Effect on bilateral ties
India’s Energy and Trade Concerns
India says the legislation could have implications for the broader India-US relationship and has conveyed those concerns to senior US officials.
US Sanctions Strategy
The legislation gives the US president authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian energy, although it does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India.
Economic consequences
India’s Energy and Trade Concerns
India warns that punitive measures could affect international energy markets, Indian trade, and ongoing bilateral economic discussions.
US Sanctions Strategy
The US measure is designed to escalate economic pressure on Russia and Iran by targeting energy, defense, and related trade ties.
- Legislation
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- Potential tariff authority
- Up to 100% on goods from countries continuing to import Russian oil and gas
- House vote
- Passed 262-159
- Senate vote
- Approved 86-11, according to one report
- Current status
- The bill was reported as awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature
- India’s position
- Energy security for 1.4 billion people is an imperative, supported by diversified sourcing
- India’s response
- The government said it would take necessary measures to protect trade and economic interests
