India has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining energy security and said it will continue sourcing oil and other energy supplies from a range of sellers according to market conditions, after the US House of Representatives approved legislation that could impose steep tariffs on countries buying Russian energy.
India’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that New Delhi had already warned Washington that measures targeting countries purchasing Russian oil could affect relations between the two countries.
The statement followed the passage of a broad sanctions and tariff bill by the US House that seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. The legislation would give US President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries, including India, in an effort to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and gas.
The bill also provides for additional sanctions related to Iran. It now goes to Trump, who would need to sign it for the legislation to become law.
India’s foreign ministry said it had taken note of the House vote and had raised concerns about the proposed measures with several US officials and other interlocutors in recent months.
New Delhi said it had clearly outlined what it believes could be the consequences for bilateral relations and international energy markets if such measures were introduced.
“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 said it would work with trade and industry organisations to address the potential effects of the US legislation.
India is the world’s third-largest oil importer and has become one of the largest purchasers of Russian crude since Western sanctions were introduced following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The purchases have provided Russia with an important source of revenue, while Indian authorities have consistently defended the trade on energy security grounds.
New Delhi has argued that its large population and expanding economy require stable, affordable and reliable energy supplies. It has also maintained that purchases from different international suppliers are determined by market conditions and national energy requirements.
The latest US legislation could add to tensions between Washington and New Delhi at a time when the two countries are seeking to manage trade and economic issues.
India said it would assess the implications of the measure and take steps to protect its economic and trade interests. The government did not indicate that it planned to stop purchasing Russian energy.
The legislation’s final impact will depend on whether it is signed into law and how the tariff and sanctions provisions are subsequently implemented by the US administration.
