India has reacted to US Congress passing legislation providing for tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from major buyers of Russian energy, saying New Delhi is determined to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interest. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that New Delhi has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026 in the US Congress and is monitoring further developments on this matter.
India is currently Russia’s top buyer of seaborne crude, and the new legislation empowers the US president to impose unprecedented duties as panalities. However, Indian refiners have already been leaning on the US, Brazil, Canada, Venezuela, and Africa for additional and more varied supplies to diversify their purchases. It will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics,” the statement read. “The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests. The government will work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications of these developments.”
“As stated on several earlier occasions, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
The ministry said the issue of India’s oil trade with Russia 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 said.
