The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Thursday, September 17, 2026, that it has taken note of the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the U.S. Congress and is closely watching subsequent developments.
The Bill, approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, empowers the U.S. President to levy tariffs of up to 100% on India and other nations that purchase oil and gas from Russia.
The Bill, which will now be forwarded to President Donald Trump for his approval, may lead to substantial U.S. tariffs on India.
In a statement released on Thursday (September 17), the Ministry of External Affairs said, " it had taken up the matter with several U.S. counterparts."
The statement notes that India has clearly outlined the possible consequences not only for the bilateral relationship but also for the global energy market.
The Ministry stated that India is firmly committed to safeguarding energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens. This goal will be pursued through diversified sources of supply and in line with changing market conditions.
The Ministry further noted that the Indian side has clearly expressed its resolve to take all necessary steps to protect the country’s trade and economic interests.
It added that the government will work in close coordination with Indian trade and industry associations to address the consequences arising from these developments.
The countries that could be subject to the tariff are the five largest importers, by total volume, of crude oil or natural gas of Russian origin during the 12 months prior to the law’s enactment, and that have knowingly entered into new purchases of Russian crude oil more than 30 days after the Bill becomes law.
Countries that have either made substantial efforts to cut their imports of Russian natural gas, or whose gas purchases account for less than 15% of Russia’s total gas exports, would be exempt from the sanctions.
India’s imports of Russian oil reached their highest level in 11 months this April, following the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Earlier, India had reduced its imports of Russian oil, reaching a 38-month low in December 2025. The Trump administration had imposed an additional 25% tariff on top of an existing 25% on India over its purchases of Russian energy.
However, due to US-Iran Conflict, US treasury temporally waived the sanctions for India on oil imports from Russia for 30 days on March 2026, with another extension of 30 days after previous window lapsed on oil shipments that were in transit before March 11, 2026.
