India Warns US That Russia Sanctions Bill Authorizing 100 Percent Tariffs on Oil Buyers Could Impact Bilateral Ties, Vows to Protect Energy Security and Trade Interests

India warned on September 17 that a US bill authorizing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries purchasing Russian oil could harm bilateral ties and disrupt the international energy market, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a 262-159 vote on Wednesday, following an 86-11 Senate vote on August 7, and the bill now awaits Trump's signature. The legislation targets Russia's leadership and energy sector and gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China. The MEA said India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people and will continue to source supplies through diversified sourcing based on evolving market dynamics. The ministry added that India had raised the issue with various US interlocutors in recent months and had very clearly articulated the potential implications for the bilateral relationship and the international energy market. The Indian side also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests, the statement said. Why It Matters: India's public warning that the US sanctions bill could impact bilateral ties escalates what has been a simmering dispute over New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian crude into a direct diplomatic confrontation. The bill gives Trump discretionary authority to impose punitive tariffs, but India's advance warning signals it will not comply with any demand to cut Russian oil imports and is prepared to absorb economic and diplomatic costs to maintain energy security. India has become one of Russia's largest crude buyers since the Ukraine war began, taking advantage of discounted prices to manage its import bill — a sensitivity that has only intensified with crude above $100 per barrel amid Hormuz disruptions.