India has vowed to safeguard its trade and economic interests following the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of a sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing significant amounts of Russian oil. The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 with a 262-159 vote, a move that could implicate nations such as India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized its commitment to ensuring energy security for its population of 1.4 billion. The ministry stated that India would continue to depend on diversified energy sources, adjusting to market conditions as necessary. This development comes as India has been expanding its energy imports from countries like the United States and Venezuela, although Russia remains a key supplier of crude oil.
India has already engaged in discussions with U.S. officials at senior levels about the potential repercussions of the proposed sanctions. The government expressed its intention to collaborate with domestic trade and industrial bodies to navigate any economic impacts arising from the bill.
The proposed legislation, which previously passed the U.S. Senate, awaits presidential approval to become law. Concerns have emerged regarding the effects these tariff measures might have on India-U.S. trade relations and broader global energy markets.