Will India have to buy more oil from Russia? Delhi's two-pronged response to America's 100% tariff bill
India has also indicated that it has held high-level talks on the issue with US officials. According to New Delhi, the potential tariffs could have an impact not only on India-US trade but also on the global energy market. At the same time, India has committed to take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests. The real concern: Oil, inflation and India-US trade
The issue of buying oil from Russia has once again emerged as a major economic pressure between the US and India. The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262-159. The bill will now go to President Donald Trump.
Under the legislation, the US president could be empowered to impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on US imports from certain countries that buy crude oil or natural gas from Russia. Russia's big energy buyers, such as India and China, could potentially come under the purview of this provision. However, the 100% tariff is not automatically applied to India. Its actual use, rate and scope will be decided by the US administration.
India says no compromise on energy security
On the US move, India's Ministry of External Affairs has said that the government is monitoring the entire development. India reiterated that ensuring energy security of 1.4 billion people is its priority and will continue to source energy from different sources depending on the changing global scenario and market.
India has also indicated that it has held high-level talks on the issue with US officials. According to New Delhi, the potential tariffs could have an impact not only on India-US trade but also on the global energy market. At the same time, India has committed to take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests.
The real concern: Oil, inflation and India-US trade
The case for India is not just limited to US tariffs. Russia is India's biggest oil supplier. In such a situation, if the US administration actually imposes heavy additional tariffs, it can have an impact on India's exports, trade costs and energy prices. On the other hand, the change in the purchase of Russian oil can also be important for India in terms of the cost of crude oil and the direction of the global oil market.
At the moment, the most important question is whether President Trump uses this right against India, at what rate and on which Indian products it is applied. After the bill becomes law, the next decision of the US administration on these aspects will be monitored.
That is, it is not just about buying oil from Russia - it is also about India's energy security, Indian exports to the US market and the next phase of India-US trade relations.
What's Your Reaction?
