India Reacts to U.S. Sanctions Bill on Russian Oil Purchases
On Thursday, India expressed its concerns over a recent U.S. sanctions bill that allows for tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil. This warning came shortly after the U.S. House of Representatives approved the legislation, which now awaits the signature of President Donald Trump.
The bill, known as the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed in the House with a vote of 262 to 159, following an earlier approval in the Senate. It grants President Trump the authority to impose tariffs on major importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, which currently include China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan based on their import volumes.
It’s important to note that while the bill allows for the imposition of tariffs, it doesn’t require them. However, once enacted, it gives the President a legally backed tool to target buyers of Russian energy, distinct from previous powers that faced legal challenges.
A White House official indicated that the President intends to sign the bill, although no specific date was provided.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the country is committed to protecting its trade interests and will collaborate with industry groups to address any potential impact. The ministry emphasized that India has clearly communicated the possible consequences of this legislation, not only for U.S.-India relations but also for the global energy market.
India highlighted that its energy purchases are driven by its national interests, asserting its commitment to energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens. The country has been working on diversifying its energy sources and has recently increased imports from the U.S. and Venezuela. However, Russia still supplies a significant portion of India’s crude oil, accounting for over half of its imports in July.
The sanctions bill does not directly name any country but defines the largest importers of Russian crude and gas. This list will be reviewed every six months. Interestingly, there is an exemption for certain nations whose imports from Russia are minimal, but this does not include India or China.
Furthermore, the legislation gives the President the discretion to waive tariffs for any country, as long as it serves the U.S. national interest. To permanently lift these tariffs, the country in question would need to stop buying Russian energy and provide assurances that it will not resume.
The passage of this bill comes amidst ongoing political maneuvering in the U.S., with Republican lawmakers pushing to vote on it after some uncertainty. Notably, the bill’s progress saw last-minute support from some Democratic representatives.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a key supporter of the legislation, remarked that Congress has sent a strong message to Russia’s President Putin.
While it’s unclear how much influence the White House had in rallying support for the bill, U.S. media reports suggest it played a role in getting some opposition lawmakers to back the measure.
India’s imports of Russian crude oil have been a point of contention in its relations with the U.S. The country had previously reduced its purchases under U.S. pressure but ramped them back up in response to various global influences. Recent data show a significant spike in Indian imports of Russian oil, making it a leading buyer after China.
Experts suggest that the United States may use the threat of tariffs as leverage to pressure India into curtailing its purchases from Russia. They advocate for India to continue sourcing Russian oil as long as it remains economically viable.
The relationship between India and the U.S. has been strained recently, particularly after the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Indian exports. While the two nations have discussed lowering tariffs and negotiating a bilateral trade deal, a final agreement has yet to be reached.
As tensions continue in the region, with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the situation remains dynamic, reflecting the complex interplay of international trade and diplomacy. India’s ambassador to Russia has previously described U.S. tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases as “unfair,” noting that other countries continue to engage in trade with Russia.
