India is closely monitoring a US bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil and gas after it cleared the US Senate. The MEA said India’s energy policy is driven by national interest and the needs of 1.4 billion people, while reaffirming continued engagement with US stakeholders. If enacted, the law could significantly impact India’s energy trade.
India is keeping a close watch on a US bill that empowers Washington to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on nations purchasing Russian oil and gas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday, days after the proposed legislation cleared the US Senate.
Addressing the weekly media briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi is tracking the progress of the measure in Washington.
VIDEO | On US bill proposing 100 per cent tariffs over Russian oil, targeting India, China and other buyers, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We are aware of this development and are closely monitoring the situation. As you are well aware, our position on energy security… pic.twitter.com/qBkrxaz9eA
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“We are closely monitoring the developments,” Jaiswal said.
Reaffirming India’s strategic approach towards fulfilling its domestic power and fuel requirements, the spokesperson emphasised that national interest remains the core pillar of the country’s energy policy.
“On energy security, our position has been clarified and very well articulated on several occasions. It is something which is predicated on our national priorities and on securing the energy needs of our 1.4 billion people through diversified sources, which includes the US,” he said.
Jaiswal further highlighted that New Delhi maintains continuous dialogue with key official channels across the Atlantic regarding the proposed measures.
“We remain engaged with relevant stakeholders in the US at various levels on this particular matter,” he said.
The official response follows the US Senate passing the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 with a decisive 86-12 vote, paving the way for the measure to be taken up by the House of Representatives for further legislative review.
If enacted, the legislative framework would grant US President Donald Trump broad executive authority to enforce primary and secondary sanctions against Moscow and supporting entities.
