India Says It Will Protect Economic Interests After US Russia Sanctions Bill
By World Desk | September 17, 2026
India has said it will take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests after the US House of Representatives approved a new sanctions bill targeting Russia and countries that continue buying Russian energy.
The legislation gives US President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially including India and China. The bill has been sent to the White House for consideration.
India Reaffirms Energy Security Policy
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the country remains committed to maintaining energy security for its population.
The ministry said India would continue sourcing energy from a range of suppliers based on changing market conditions.
New Delhi also stated that it would take appropriate measures to safeguard its trade and economic interests as the implications of the US legislation develop.
US Bill Targets Russian Energy Revenues
The legislation is designed to increase economic pressure on Russia by targeting its energy and defence sectors, senior officials and the network of vessels known as the shadow fleet.
A key provision would allow the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil and gas. The measure does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India; the authority would allow the administration to decide whether and how to use the tariff provisions.
India Has Increased Russian Oil Imports
Russia has become an important source of crude oil for Indian refiners, particularly as global energy markets have faced disruption.
According to trade data cited in recent reports, Indian refiners increased their purchases of Russian crude significantly during 2026. Shipments reached about 2.81 million barrels per day in July, before falling to approximately 2.07 million barrels per day the following month.
India has also been working to diversify its energy supplies to reduce dependence on any single source.
Potential Impact on Trade and Energy Markets
The new US measures could have implications beyond India-US trade, particularly for global oil markets.
Indian officials have said they have discussed the potential effects of the legislation with US counterparts in recent months, including possible consequences for bilateral trade and international energy markets.
India and Russia Maintain Strong Economic Ties
Russia remains an important energy and defence partner for India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin also held talks in New Delhi last week ahead of the BRICS summit.
India’s latest response indicates that it intends to maintain energy supplies while assessing the potential economic and trade consequences of the new US measures.
