IndiaPosted at: Sep 17 2026 1:40PM


'Firmly committed' to energy security: India says monitoring developments of Russia sanctions bill in US

New Delhi, Sep 17 (UNI) India is closely monitoring the passage of the US Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in Congress and has made it clear that it will take "all necessary measures" to protect its trade and economic interests, while reaffirming its commitment to securing energy supplies for its 1.4 billion people.
"Government will work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications of these developments," the MEA said.
The US House of Representatives has passed a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia's energy sector, officials, and its "shadow fleet" of tankers, giving President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas, including India and China.
The MEA said India remains committed to protecting its trade and economic interests while ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
"As stated on several earlier occasions, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. It will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics," the Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry said the potential implications of the legislation have been discussed at high levels with several US interlocutors in recent months.
"Its potential implications for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market have been very clearly articulated by the Indian side," it said.
The MEA also made clear that India would take steps to safeguard its economic and trade interests as the US legislative process moves forward.
The response came after the US House of Representatives passed sweeping legislation targeting Russia's energy sector, individuals, and its "shadow fleet" of tankers, giving US President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was passed by the House by 262-159 and will now be sent to Trump for his signature. The Senate had earlier approved the legislation by an 86-11 vote.
The legislation does not itself impose a 100 per cent tariff on Indian goods. Instead, it gives the US President the authority to impose such tariffs on major purchasers of Russian energy or countries accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions.
India and China, among the major buyers of Russian crude, could therefore be affected by the new US sanctions framework, depending on how the Trump administration exercises the powers provided under the legislation.
The measure also extends sanctions related to Iran and targets Russia's energy and defence sectors as well as vessels involved in sanctions evasion.
New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that its energy procurement decisions are guided by national energy security and market considerations.
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