Archive · 19 Sep 2026
India Revives Non-Alignment Amid US Tariff Threats
The US House passed a measure that could allow very high tariffs on countries buying Russian oil.
India buys energy from different sources and says it must protect energy supplies for its 1.4 billion people.
India warned that US tariffs could hurt relations between the two countries.
It also said it would work with Indian businesses to handle any effects.
The article says the US has often used tariffs against other countries.
It argues that the US has not always explained why tariffs change.
India had previously tried to avoid conflict with the United States.
Recent meetings with countries in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS may have made India more confident about standing independently.
The US House passed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, allowing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries buying Russian oil.
India responded by emphasizing its commitment to energy security through diversified sourcing for its 1.4 billion people.
The Indian government warned that high US tariffs could affect bilateral relations and said it would work with trade and industry bodies.
The response reflected growing Indian confidence in its own capabilities and relationships with neighbours and long-time partners.
The article links India’s stance to the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS summits, suggesting a renewed form of non-alignment.
- Who
- The Indian government, the United States House of Representatives, President Donald Trump, and countries buying Russian oil, including India and China.
- What
- The US House passed legislation authorizing potential tariffs of up to 100 percent, while India issued a defiant response defending its energy-sourcing policy.
- When
- The article refers to the passage of the measure and to events since the Trump administration assumed office last year.
- Where
- The dispute concerns US-India relations and international trade involving Russian oil.
- Why
- The proposed tariffs target countries purchasing Russian oil; India says diversified energy sourcing is necessary to protect its population’s energy security.
India’s Position
US Tariff Position
Energy and trade policy
India’s Position
India says it is firmly committed to diversified energy sourcing to ensure security for its 1.4 billion people.
US Tariff Position
The proposed US measure would authorize President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries buying Russian oil.
Effect on bilateral relations
India’s Position
India warned that high tariffs could damage or affect relations with the United States and said it would prepare with domestic trade and industry bodies.
US Tariff Position
The US administration is presented as using tariffs as a policy tool, without consistently explaining changes in tariff levels.
Strategic posture
India’s Position
India’s response asserted greater independence and reflected confidence in its relationships with neighbours and long-time partners.
US Tariff Position
The tariff threat reflects US pressure on countries trading with Russia and Iran.
- Proposed tariff authority
- Up to 100 percent tariffs on countries such as India and China buying Russian oil.
- Legislation
- The Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act passed the US House of Representatives.
- India’s stated priority
- Energy security for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing.
- India’s warning
- High US tariffs could affect bilateral relations.
- Planned response
- India said it would work with trade and industry bodies on the implications.
- Relevant international forums
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS recently held back-to-back summits.
- Policy framing
- The article describes India’s position as a contemporary version of non-alignment.