Archive · 21 Sep 2026
India’s Russian Oil Ties Face Trump’s Tariff Pressure
The United States has passed a law that increases pressure on Russia.
It could also place very high tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian energy.
India buys Russian oil because it needs a steady and affordable energy supply.
India says this decision is based on its national interest and the needs of its people.
Raj Yadav, an energy and international-relations expert, said India cannot easily change suppliers.
Different kinds of crude oil require different refinery equipment and technology.
The issue comes as India tries to maintain relationships with both Russia and the United States.
It also comes after India hosted a BRICS summit and worked to build agreement among its members.
Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on 18 September.
The law could enable 100% tariffs on countries such as India and China that maintain energy ties with Russia.
India says its Russian oil purchases are guided by national interest, supply availability and global oil prices.
Expert Raj Yadav said Russian oil remains important because India needs reliable energy supplies for its large population and economy.
Yadav noted that switching suppliers is difficult because crude types must match existing refinery technology and capacity.
- Who
- The United States, under President Donald Trump, and India are at the center of the dispute; Russia is involved through its oil exports.
- What
- A new US sanctions law increases pressure on Russia and could allow 100% tariffs on countries continuing energy ties with Moscow.
- When
- Trump signed the legislation on 18 September, shortly after India’s 12–13 September BRICS Summit.
- Where
- The issue affects India-US trade and India’s energy relationship with Russia.
- Why
- The United States is seeking to pressure Russia over the war in Ukraine, while India says Russian oil purchases support its energy security and national interest.
India’s Energy and National Interests
US Pressure on Russia’s Energy Partners
Russian oil purchases
India’s Energy and National Interests
India says buying Russian crude is guided by national interest, energy security, availability and global oil prices.
US Pressure on Russia’s Energy Partners
The United States is using sanctions and the prospect of tariffs to pressure countries to reduce energy ties with Russia.
Trade consequences
India’s Energy and National Interests
India could face higher costs or disruption if it is pushed to change suppliers, especially because crude grades must suit its refinery technology.
US Pressure on Russia’s Energy Partners
The proposed tariff mechanism signals that countries buying Russian oil could face substantially higher costs for selling products in the US market.
Strategic relationships
India’s Energy and National Interests
India is seeking to preserve its longstanding economic and strategic relationship with Russia while maintaining ties with Washington and strengthening its role in BRICS.
US Pressure on Russia’s Energy Partners
The US legislation reflects a broader effort to increase economic pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine, even when that affects countries maintaining energy links with Moscow.
- Legislation
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- Signing date
- 18 September
- Potential tariff
- Up to 100% on countries maintaining energy ties with Russia
- India’s stated rationale
- National interest, adequate availability and prevailing global oil prices
- India’s energy position
- India is one of the largest importers of hydrocarbons and depends on regular energy supplies
- Expert quoted
- Raj Yadav, Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies
- BRICS Summit
- India chaired the summit on 12–13 September and reportedly built consensus among members