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India Rejects ‘Unfair’ Tariffs as US Expands Russia Sanctions
The United States passed a new law involving Russia and Iran.
The law lets the US president put tariffs as high as 100% on some countries that keep buying Russian oil or gas.
India is one of the countries that could be affected.
India’s minister said these tariffs are unfair.
He said India will decide where to buy energy without pressure from other countries.
India wants energy that is affordable and available for its people.
The law also targets Russian officials, banks, defense networks, and ships accused of avoiding sanctions.
India says it will take steps to protect its energy supply and national interests.
India’s Kirti Vardhan Singh called US tariffs on Russian energy purchases “very unfair.”
Singh said India will independently choose commercially viable and economical energy sources.
The US law allows tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
The legislation expands sanctions on Russia and extends the Iran Sanctions Act for five years.
India says energy security and protecting its 140 crore people remain its priorities.
- Who
- India, represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, and the United States under President Donald Trump.
- What
- The United States enacted a law authorizing expanded sanctions and tariffs against Russia, Iran, and countries buying Russian energy; India criticized the tariff policy.
- Where
- The policy concerns US measures affecting countries including India and China, while India’s energy-sourcing decisions are made domestically.
- When
- Donald Trump signed the law on September 18, 2026; Singh made his remarks on Saturday.
- Why
- The US law seeks to penalize Russia and restrict sanctions evasion, while India says it must protect energy security and obtain commercially viable supplies for its population.
India’s Position
United States Policy
Energy purchasing decisions
India’s Position
India says tariffs are unfair and that it will independently buy energy from commercially viable and economical sources.
United States Policy
The US law creates authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue certain purchases of Russian energy.
Purpose of the measures
India’s Position
India says its priority is affordable, stable energy and protecting its population’s interests.
United States Policy
The legislation aims to penalize Russia and expands sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, defense-linked networks, and its so-called shadow fleet.
Key facts
- US legislation
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- Signing date
- September 18, 2026
- Potential tariff ceiling
- Up to 100% on certain countries buying Russian crude oil or natural gas
- Countries potentially affected
- India and China are identified as major purchasers of Russian crude
- India’s stated priority
- Energy security and the welfare of 140 crore people
- Senate vote
- The bill passed 86-11 in August
- House vote
- The bill passed 262-159 earlier in the week
- Iran sanctions
- The Iran Sanctions Act was extended for another five years
Quotes
Kirti Vardhan Singh
India’s Union Minister of State for External Affairs
“The priority of the country of India and our government is our people, our people of 140 crores. We will take every step which is necessary for the convenience of our people. We will take every strong step for the strength and stability of our country, our population of 140 crores. We have our own independent foreign policy. We will not follow any country based on what our country is doing. We will do whatever is good for our country.”
livemint.com
“We always say that these tariffs that are being imposed are very unfair. And we are not under the pressure of any country. Energy is a very primary concern of ours. And wherever we find commercially viable, economical energy sources for our country and our people, we will take energy from there.”
livemint.com
Sources
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