India vows to protect energy security, warns US tariffs could hit ties

MEA said New Delhi will continue diversified sourcing based on market dynamics after the US House passed legislation allowing sanctions and steep tariffs targeting Russian energy buyers

India on Thursday said it will take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests and ensure energy security after the US House of Representatives cleared a bill that will allow US President Donald Trump to impose punitive tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries such as India and China for procuring Russian crude oil.

The US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026 that authorises Trump to impose sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on its leading trading partners.

In its reaction, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India remains "firmly committed" to ensuring the energy security of its 1.4 billion people and will take all "necessary measures" to protect its trade and economic interests.

It said the Indian side is monitoring further developments in the matter following the passage of the Act in the US Congress.

Russia has been a leading source for India's energy security requirements. India's procurement of Russian crude oil has gone up significantly in the last few years.