Archive · 17 Sep 2026
India Defends Energy Security After US Russia Sanctions Bill
The United States passed a bill aimed at putting more pressure on Russia and Iran.
The bill could let the US president place very high tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil or gas.
India buys significant amounts of Russian crude and could be affected.
India said keeping energy available and affordable for its 1.4 billion people is very important.
It said it will buy energy from different sources as market conditions change.
India has already discussed the possible effects with US officials.
India warned that the bill could affect trade, relations between the two countries, and global energy markets.
The bill does not automatically place a 100% tariff on Indian goods.
India said it will monitor developments and work with businesses to protect its economic interests.
India said energy security for its 1.4 billion people remains a firm priority.
The Ministry of External Affairs said India will diversify energy sources according to market conditions.
The US House passed the Russia and Iran sanctions bill 262-159 on September 16.
The bill could allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy.
India said it has raised concerns with US officials and will protect its trade and economic interests.
- Who
- India's Ministry of External Affairs, the US Congress, and President Donald Trump are central to the issue; India and China are major buyers of Russian energy.
- What
- India responded to a US sanctions bill that could authorize tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
- When
- The US House passed the bill on September 16, and India's MEA issued its response on September 17.
- Where
- The legislation was passed in the United States, while India's response came from New Delhi.
- Why
- The US bill seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia, while India says it must protect energy security, trade, and economic interests.
India and Bill Critics
US Bill Supporters
Energy and trade impact
India and Bill Critics
India says restrictions could affect its energy security, bilateral ties, trade, and the wider international energy market, and that it may take necessary protective measures.
US Bill Supporters
Supporters say access to the US market can pressure countries that continue buying Russian energy or help Russia evade sanctions.
Presidential tariff authority
India and Bill Critics
Critics, including members of the US House, objected to giving the president broad tariff powers and warned of possible effects on businesses and global markets.
US Bill Supporters
Supporters argue that the tariff authority is specifically connected to purchases of Russian energy and sanctions evasion.
Russian energy purchases
India and Bill Critics
India says it will continue diversified sourcing based on evolving market dynamics and has not announced an immediate change to its Russian oil purchases.
US Bill Supporters
Senator Richard Blumenthal urged India and China to stop buying Russian oil and gas, arguing that purchasing elsewhere would avoid appeasing Russia.
- House vote
- The US House of Representatives passed the bill by 262 votes to 159.
- Senate vote
- The US Senate previously approved it by 86 votes to 11 on August 7.
- Potential tariff
- The legislation gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from covered major buyers of Russian petroleum or natural gas.
- India's position
- India said it remains committed to energy security for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing.
- Diplomatic discussions
- India said the legislation's possible effects have been discussed with US interlocutors at high levels in recent months.
- Bill status
- The bill was passed by the House and sent to President Donald Trump; it does not itself impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods.
- Other provisions
- The bill expands sanctions targeting Russian officials, financial institutions, banking authorities, and vessels associated with Russia's so-called shadow fleet.
Sources
India committed to ensure its energy security: MEA on US’ Russia sanctions Act
"Will Protect Trade, Economic Interests": India On US' Russia Sanctions Bill
India Vows To Protect Trade, Energy Security After US Passes Russia Sanctions Bill Allowing 100% Tariffs
Energy security remains firm priority for India, says MEA on US Russia sanctions bill
India breaks silence on US Russia sanctions bill, 100% tariff threat: ‘Committed to energy security’ for 1.4 billion
