Archive · 21 Sep 2026
India Rejects US Pressure Over Russian Oil Purchases
The United States passed a law that could impose very high tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
The law is meant to put pressure on Russia and countries that buy its energy.
India buys a lot of Russian oil because it says the oil is affordable and important for keeping energy supplies secure.
India told the United States that it will decide its energy policy itself.
India also warned that the tariffs could harm relations between the two countries and raise energy prices around the world.
The article says the United States has made exceptions for some of its own and European purchases of Russian products.
It argues that India should keep negotiating but should not give up control over its energy and trade decisions.
It also recommends that India find more export markets and energy suppliers.
The US Congress passed legislation authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major buyers of Russian energy.
The measure was signed into law on September 18 after passing the House and Senate with substantial majorities.
India said its Russian oil purchases protect energy security, affordability, and national interests.
India warned that US tariff measures could affect bilateral relations and global energy markets.
The article urges India to diversify its export markets, energy sources, manufacturing, and strategic partnerships.
- Who
- The United States, India, Russia, and other major buyers of Russian energy are involved.
- What
- The United States enacted legislation allowing possible tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas.
- When
- The House passed the measure on September 16, the Senate passed it on August 7, and the President signed it on September 18, according to the article.
- Where
- The dispute concerns US trade measures, Indian energy imports, and global energy markets.
- Why
- The legislation seeks to pressure Russia and countries purchasing its energy, while India says its purchases are necessary for energy security and affordability.
India's Position
US Legislation's Rationale
Russian energy purchases
India's Position
India says its purchases are driven by energy security, affordability, and national interest, and that it will make its own energy decisions.
US Legislation's Rationale
US lawmakers argue that purchases of Russian energy provide revenue that supports Russia and should therefore face pressure.
Tariff authority
India's Position
India views the measure as coercive and warns that it could damage India-US relations and global energy markets.
US Legislation's Rationale
The legislation gives the US President a tool to impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas.
Trade negotiations
India's Position
India is resisting pressure to open protected agriculture, dairy, and small-business sectors to greater US competition.
US Legislation's Rationale
The article says the tariff threat could be used alongside US demands for wider access to India's markets.
- House vote
- The measure passed 262-159, with 58 Democrats voting in favor.
- Senate vote
- The Senate approved it 86-11 on August 7.
- Maximum tariff
- The law authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas.
- Review period
- The top five purchasing countries will be reassessed every 180 days.
- India's Russian oil imports
- The article says India has recently imported slightly more than 2.5 million barrels per day from Russia, representing over half of its daily imports.
- India's energy suppliers
- India's oil and gas sources have reportedly increased from about 27 countries to 43.
- Stated exemptions
- The legislation includes carve-outs for certain European Union natural-gas imports and US imports of Russian fertilizers and nuclear materials.