India on Thursday said it would take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests after the US House of Representatives passed legislation that gives the Trump administration authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The External Affairs Ministry said India remains committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people and will continue to diversify its energy sourcing based on evolving market dynamics.
“The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests,” the MEA said, adding that the government would work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to address the implications of the developments.
India Monitoring US Legislation
The US House passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a 262-159 vote. The legislation, which had already cleared the US Senate, now moves to President Donald Trump.
The bill creates a pathway for the US administration to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas. India and China are among the major buyers that could be affected.
However, the passage of the bill does not automatically mean that a 100% tariff has been imposed on India. The legislation gives the US administration authority to take such action.
MEA Highlights Energy Security
The MEA said India’s energy sourcing decisions are guided by the need to maintain energy security and respond to changing market conditions.
The ministry said the potential implications of the US legislation for India-US bilateral relations as well as the international energy market had already been clearly conveyed to US interlocutors during discussions at various levels.
India has also been seeking to diversify its energy supplies, with purchases from countries including the US and Venezuela increasing in recent months, according to the report.
Russia Remains A Major Oil Supplier
Russia remains a major source of crude oil for India. According to data cited in the report, Russian crude accounted for 51.1% of India’s crude imports in July.
The development comes amid continued US efforts to put economic pressure on Russia and countries that purchase Russian energy.
India has maintained that its energy sourcing is based on national interests and market considerations, while the MEA said New Delhi is closely monitoring developments following the US legislation.
What Happens Next?
The bill now awaits President Trump’s decision. If enacted, the legislation could give his administration additional authority to impose steep tariffs on major purchasers of Russian energy.
For India, the immediate focus remains on assessing the legislation’s implications while protecting energy security, trade and broader economic interests.
