Archive · 17 Sep 2026
India Defends Energy Needs as US Tariff Bill Advances
India needs a lot of energy to power homes, schools, hospitals, farms, factories and transportation.
Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra said India’s energy use per person is still much lower than the global average.
India gets more than 85% of its crude oil and about half of its natural gas from other countries.
The United States Congress passed a bill that could allow very high tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
The tariffs could be as high as 100%, but they would not happen automatically.
President Donald Trump would decide whether to impose them under the bill.
India said it is watching the situation and has explained its concerns to US officials.
India also said it would work to protect its trade and energy security.
Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra said reliable, affordable energy is strategically necessary for India’s 1.4 billion people.
India imports more than 85% of its crude oil and about half of its natural gas, according to Kwatra.
The United States House passed a bill 262-159 allowing tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
The legislation, already approved by the Senate, gives Donald Trump discretion to impose tariffs but does not impose them automatically.
India said it was monitoring developments, discussing the issue with US officials, and preparing measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
- Who
- India, Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the United States Congress and President Donald Trump.
- What
- The United States Congress passed legislation authorizing potential tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing to buy Russian oil and gas, while India defended its energy-sourcing policy.
- When
- The House passed the bill on Wednesday, and Kwatra issued his statement on Thursday; the article does not specify the year beyond the bill’s 2026 title.
- Where
- The legislation was considered in the United States, while the energy policy concerns involve India’s international sourcing.
- Why
- India says diversified imports are necessary to provide adequate, affordable and uninterrupted energy for its population and economy.
India’s Energy-Security Position
United States Tariff Authority
Need for Russian energy purchases
India’s Energy-Security Position
India says reliable and affordable energy supplies are a national responsibility and that sourcing reflects changing market conditions and energy-security needs.
United States Tariff Authority
The legislation gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas.
Impact on trade and relations
India’s Energy-Security Position
India says it has explained the possible effects on bilateral ties and international energy markets and will take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests.
United States Tariff Authority
The bill provides a potential tool for the United States to pressure countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, although it does not automatically impose tariffs.
- India’s population
- 1.4 billion people
- India’s energy position
- The world’s third-largest energy consumer and one of the fastest-growing major economies
- Oil imports
- More than 85% of crude oil
- Natural-gas imports
- Around half of natural gas
- House vote
- 262 votes to 159
- Potential tariff level
- Up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas
- Bill status
- Approved by the Senate and passed by the House; it goes to Donald Trump for his signature