US passes Russia sanctions bill; India vows to protect energy security

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sep 17, 2026: India has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s energy security following the US House of Representatives’ passage of legislation imposing additional sanctions on Russia and Iran and authorising potential tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.

“India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, adding that New Delhi would continue to diversify its energy sources based on evolving market conditions.

“We are monitoring further developments on this matter,” the MEA said.

The ministry said India had conveyed to the US its determination to take necessary measures to protect its economic interests. The government will also work with Indian trade and industry bodies to address any implications arising from the US legislation.

The MEA said the issue had been discussed at high levels with several US interlocutors in recent months. India had also clearly conveyed its concerns about the potential impact of the measures on bilateral relations as well as international energy markets.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262-159. The legislation seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine and includes provisions allowing the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.

The bill has already cleared the Senate and will now go to President Donald Trump for consideration. The tariff provision does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods; it gives the administration the authority to impose such tariffs under specified conditions.

India is among the major buyers of Russian crude, making the legislation particularly significant for its energy procurement and trade relations with the US. The Indian government has maintained that its energy sourcing decisions are guided by energy security and market considerations.