New Delhi, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India on Thursday said it was examining all necessary measures to safeguard its trade and economic interests following the passage of a US sanctions legislation that provides for tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from major buyers of Russian energy.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian government had taken note of the US Congress passing the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act and was closely monitoring further developments.
“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,” the MEA said in a statement.
The ministry said the issue had been discussed at high levels with several US interlocutors in recent months. India had clearly conveyed the potential implications of the proposed measures for both bilateral ties and the international energy market, it added.
“The Indian side has made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests,” the MEA said, adding that the government would work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to address the implications of the developments.
The US House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262-159 on Wednesday, after the Senate approved it 86-11 on August 7. US President Donald Trump is expected to sign the legislation.
The package seeks to target Russian officials, banks, energy interests and foreign entities supporting Moscow’s military operations, with the stated objective of reducing financial resources supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to the House Ways and Means Committee, the legislation provides for tariffs of up to 500 per cent on Russian goods and duties of up to 100 per cent on goods from countries covered by provisions relating to Russian oil and gas purchases. Additional countries could be included following reviews by the US Trade Representative every 180 days.
The bill also provides an exemption for countries whose Russian natural gas imports account for less than 15 per cent of Russia’s total gas exports and which are taking significant steps to reduce such purchases, according to Senator Katie Britt’s office.
The legislation, as described in the supplied US statements, does not specify India as a designated target or establish an India-specific tariff rate.
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