India warns US tariffs on Russian oil could strain bilateral ties

September 17, 2026 at 12:32 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

India warned the United States on Thursday that new tariffs on Russian oil purchases could impact bilateral ties, hours after the US House passed a bill authorizing President Donald Trump to impose duties of up to 100 percent. New Delhi said it remains committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people and will take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.

Key Facts

The US House of Representatives passed a sanctions and tariff bill on Wednesday targeting Russia's energy and defence sectors, President Vladimir Putin, and Moscow's shadow fleet.
The bill authorizes President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries, including India, to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas.
India's foreign ministry said on Thursday it remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
India is the world's third-biggest oil importer and among the biggest buyers of Russian oil.

US Legislative Action

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a sweeping sanctions and tariff bill intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The bill targets Russia's energy and defence sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, as well as Moscow's so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions. It also authorises President Donald Trump to impose stiff tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries, including India, to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas, and extend sanctions on Iran. The bill has been sent to Trump to sign into law.

India's Response

India's foreign ministry said on Thursday that it remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. The ministry said it had noted the bill's passage and had raised the issue with various US interlocutors in recent months, articulating the potential implications for the bilateral relationship and the international energy market. The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests, the ministry said in a statement. The government would work closely with trade and industry bodies to deal with the legislation's implications, it added.

Energy Trade Context

India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, is among the biggest buyers of Russian oil, which is seen as helping Moscow replenish its budget since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and was hit with sweeping Western sanctions. New Delhi has repeatedly sought to resist pressure to reduce its oil trade with Russia, saying its large population and economy need secure, affordable and reliable energy supplies.