India on Friday said it is in touch with US authorities and is closely tracking a proposed American sanctions bill that could pave the way for tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries importing Russian
crude oil.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stressed that India’s energy purchases are guided by national interests and the country’s growing energy needs, even as Washington considers tougher measures against buyers of Russian oil.
India Reiterates Stand On Energy Security
Replying to questions on the proposed US legislation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi’s position on energy security has remained consistent.
“We are aware of this development and are closely monitoring the situation. As you are well aware, our position on energy security has been clarified and articulated on several occasions. It is guided by our national priorities and the need to secure the energy requirements of our 1.4 billion citizens through diversified sources, which include the United States. We remain engaged with the relevant authorities in the United States at various levels on this matter.”
His remarks came amid concerns that India, one of the largest buyers of Russian crude, could be affected if the proposed legislation becomes law.
What The Proposed Bill Seeks To Do
At the centre of the debate is the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a bipartisan Bill that seeks to give the US President powers to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian energy.
The legislation is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow by discouraging global purchases of Russian oil and gas. It is still moving through the US legislative process and has not yet become law.
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
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 31, 2026
India’s Russian Oil Imports Under Spotlight
India has substantially increased its imports of discounted Russian crude since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. Latest trade data shows Russian oil supplies to India climbed to a record 2.6 million barrels per day in June, with imports expected to remain close to those levels in July.
The proposed US measure has therefore drawn particular attention in India, alongside China, both of which remain among Russia’s biggest energy customers.
US Senator Singles Out India And China
After the US Senate agreed to fast-track the legislation, Senator Richard Blumenthal said the Bill was intended to target countries purchasing large volumes of Russian energy.
“The bill authorises tariffs of up to 100 per cent, it’s carefully crafted to ensure we are not hitting our allies. We are hitting China, India, let’s be really blunt. They are the main culprits. They purchase the vast majority of oil and gas and are fueling Russia’s war machine,” he claimed.
Blumenthal also argued that US trade measures were already having an impact on India’s purchases of Russian crude.
“Tariffs and sanctions have consequences … Trump is signing this bill with the expectations that he will use them,” he said
