India has reiterated its commitment to energy security after the US House of Representatives passed legislation that could allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India is closely monitoring developments and will take necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
India Will Continue Diversifying Energy Sources
The MEA said India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
The ministry reiterated that the country will continue sourcing energy from multiple suppliers based on evolving market conditions. Russia has become an important source of India’s crude oil imports in recent years, making the issue particularly significant for the country’s energy strategy.
India has maintained that its energy purchases are guided by factors including supply availability, prices and national energy requirements.
US Bill Could Allow 100% Tariffs
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was passed by the US House in a 262-159 vote. The Senate had already approved the legislation in August.
The bill gives the US president authority to impose steep tariffs on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas. The maximum tariff could reach 100% under specified conditions.
However, the legislation does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods. Any such measure would require a separate decision by the US administration.
India Raised Concerns With Washington
The MEA said the issue has been discussed at high levels with various US interlocutors over recent months.
India has communicated its concerns about the potential impact of the legislation on both India-US bilateral relations and international energy markets.
The government has also made clear that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard India’s economic and trade interests.
Government to Work With Industry
The MEA said the government will work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to address the implications of the US legislation.
The potential impact extends beyond the oil sector because higher tariffs on Indian exports to the US could affect businesses that depend on the American market.
At the same time, any major change in India’s Russian oil purchases could have implications for crude sourcing and global energy markets.
Bill Awaits Presidential Action
The House passage sends the legislation to President Trump for final approval. Until the US administration takes further action, the potential 100% tariff remains an authorised option rather than an automatic levy on Indian exports.
India’s immediate position is to continue monitoring developments while maintaining diversified energy sourcing.
Summary
India has reaffirmed its commitment to energy security for 1.4 billion people after the US House passed a Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy. The MEA said India will diversify energy sourcing, protect its trade interests and work with industry to address the potential impact.
