Mumbai: India has warned that new US measures targeting countries that continue to buy Russian energy could affect relations between New Delhi and Washington, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring energy security for its people.
The warning came a day after the US House of Representatives passed legislation giving President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas. The bill has now been sent to Trump for his consideration.
India's Ministry of External Affairs said the country would continue to obtain energy from diverse suppliers according to changing market conditions. The ministry said India had already discussed the possible implications of the US measures with American officials at high levels.
The ministry said India had clearly communicated its concerns about the possible impact on the bilateral relationship and international energy markets. It also said the government would take all necessary measures to protect India's trade and economic interests and would work with trade and industry bodies to address the consequences of the US legislation.
The US House approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262 votes to 159 on September 16. The Senate had already approved the legislation by 86 votes to 11 on August 7.
The legislation is intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. It includes additional sanctions targeting Russian officials, banks, the energy sector and vessels associated with Russia's shadow fleet.
One of its most important provisions gives the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major importers of Russian oil and natural gas under specified conditions. India and China are among the countries that could be affected by the provision.
However, the legislation does not mean that India is facing an immediate 100 percent tariff. The 100 percent figure represents the maximum tariff authority provided to the US president. Any actual tariff against India would depend on the legislation becoming law and subsequent action by the US administration.
The US has not imposed a 100 percent tariff on Indian goods under this legislation.
The issue is important for India because the country is one of the world's largest oil importers and has become a major buyer of Russian crude since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Western sanctions imposed after the invasion significantly changed global oil trade, with India becoming a major buyer of Russian crude. Indian refiners increased purchases of Russian oil as supplies were available at competitive prices.
New Delhi has repeatedly defended its oil purchases on the grounds of national interests and energy requirements. The government has said that its large population and economy require secure, affordable and reliable energy supplies.
At the same time, India has continued to source crude oil from a range of countries. Its latest statement stressed that energy purchases would remain diversified and would be guided by changing market conditions.
The latest US action comes as India and the United States continue to deal with wider trade and economic issues. The possible use of additional US tariffs adds another point of tension to the broader economic relationship between the two countries.
The US legislation is also part of a wider effort by Washington to increase economic pressure on Russia. The bill seeks to target Russian officials, financial institutions, energy interests and countries that continue to play a significant role in Russia's energy trade.
India has warned that measures affecting major energy buyers could also have consequences for international energy markets. New Delhi has said it will continue to protect its trade and economic interests while maintaining access to reliable energy supplies.
India's government has also said it will work with trade and industry bodies to address the implications of the US legislation.
The immediate issue remains unresolved. The legislation has cleared Congress, but the eventual tariff rate, the timing of any action and its impact on India's trade and energy purchases remain to be determined.