India says it remains committed to energy security as the US Congress passes a sanctions bill targeting major buyers of Russian energy…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India on Thursday said it was considering all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests after the US Congress passed legislation targeting major buyers of Russian energy.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian government had taken note of the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress and was monitoring further developments.
“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 MEA said in a statement.
The ministry said the issue had been discussed at high levels with various US interlocutors in recent months, with India outlining the potential implications for bilateral ties as well as international energy markets.
“This issue has been discussed at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors. 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 added.
The MEA said India had made clear its determination to take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests. It added that the government would work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to address the implications of the developments.
The statement followed the US Congress passing legislation that provides for tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from countries that are major buyers of Russian energy.
The House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262 votes to 159 on Wednesday local time. The Senate had approved the legislation 86-11 on August 7.
The legislation is aimed at reducing financial resources supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. It targets Russian officials, banks and energy interests, as well as foreign entities supporting Moscow’s military operations.
According to the US House Ways and Means Committee, the legislation directs tariffs of up to 500 per cent on Russian goods and provides for duties of up to 100 per cent on goods from countries covered by provisions concerning purchases of Russian oil and gas.
The provisions cover major importers of Russian energy and countries identified as facilitating oil sanctions evasion. The committee said additional countries could be added following reviews by the US Trade Representative every 180 days.
Senator Katie Britt’s office said the legislation includes an exemption for countries whose Russian natural gas imports account for less than 15 per cent of Russia’s total gas exports and which are taking significant steps to reduce those purchases.
The legislation has raised questions over its potential impact on countries maintaining significant energy trade with Russia. However, the statements supplied for the legislation do not identify India as a designated target or establish an India-specific tariff rate.
India has repeatedly maintained that its energy procurement decisions are guided by national requirements, energy security and prevailing market conditions.
The MEA said India would continue to monitor developments and assess their implications while working with domestic trade and industry stakeholders.
The latest statement comes amid ongoing discussions between India and the US on trade and economic issues, alongside wider international efforts linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and sanctions against Moscow.
