India on Friday reiterated its stance to the United States over new sanctions legislation targeting Russia and Iran, stating that the move could have implications not only for the international energy market but also for the broader bilateral relationship between New Delhi and Washington.
This comes after the US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation would authorise US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas, including India and China.
"Could Have Implications For Overall Relationship"
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have already conveyed at senior levels of the U.S. administration the implications that this legislation could have on India's energy security, on international energy markets, and on the overall relationship. I don't have anything further at this point."
"Commitment To Energy Security For 1.4 Billion People"
This statement follows an earlier statement issued by the MEA on Thursday asserting India's commitment to ensuring energy supplies for its 1.4 billion citizens.
"The Government of India has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress. We are monitoring further developments on this matter," the ministry said.
"As stated on several earlier occasions, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. It will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics," it added.
The MEA highlighted that the potential implications of the legislation had already been discussed during previous engagements with US counterparts.
"This issue has been discussed at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors. Its potential implications for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market have been very clearly articulated by the Indian side," it said.
"The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests. The Government will work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications of these developments," the statement added.
Russia Sanctions Bill
While it mainly applies economic pressure on Russia by targeting its energy revenue, financial networks, blocking visas, targeting shadow-fleet oil tankers, and banning transactions with Russia's MIR payment system, it also targets countries trading with Moscow. Section 113 of the bill creates a mechanism under which qualifying countries can face additional US import duties of more than 0 per cent and up to 100 per cent.
The bill is expected to be signed by Trump on Friday and will officially become federal law.
(With Inputs From Agencies)