India on Thursday said it would take all necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests after the US House of Representatives passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that gives President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was passed by the US House with a 262-159 vote on Wednesday. The legislation, which had earlier cleared the US Senate, will now go to President Trump for his signature.
The legislation targets Russia's leadership, energy sector and vessels allegedly involved in sanctions evasion. It also authorises the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, including India and China, in an effort to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.
India stresses energy security
Reacting to the development, the Ministry of External Affairs said India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
"India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people," the MEA said, adding that the country would continue to rely on diversified sources of energy based on evolving market conditions.
The ministry said the issue had been discussed at senior levels with various US interlocutors in recent months. India had also clearly highlighted the possible implications of the US measures for both bilateral relations and the international energy market.
The MEA further said the Indian government would work closely with trade and industry bodies to address the implications of the legislation and take all necessary measures to protect the country's trade and economic interests.
India remains a major buyer of Russian crude
Russia has remained a major source of crude oil for India, with Indian refiners purchasing Russian oil partly because of its commercial competitiveness. According to data cited by Hindustan Times, Russia supplied 51.1% of India's crude imports in July.
India has also increased energy purchases from countries including the US and Venezuela in recent months as part of efforts to diversify its sources.
The proposed US tariff mechanism, however, does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods. It gives the US president the authority to impose such duties if the statutory conditions are met and the administration chooses to exercise that power.
Potential impact on India-US trade
The legislation comes at a sensitive time for India-US trade relations. If Washington were to impose additional tariffs on Indian exports, Indian products entering the US market could become significantly more expensive, potentially affecting exporters and ongoing trade negotiations.
Our statement on passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 17, 2026
? https://t.co/kD0Yg9sWbU pic.twitter.com/rSc21AqwEh
India, meanwhile, has maintained that securing reliable and affordable energy supplies remains a priority and that it will continue to diversify its sourcing according to market conditions.
The bill's passage therefore sets the stage for further discussions between New Delhi and Washington over Russian oil purchases, tariffs, energy security and the broader India-US trade relationship.
