Delhi hits back at US sanctions threat
MEA clarifies that external arm-twisting will not dictate India’s strategic energy partnerships
India on Thursday reiterated that its foremost priority is safeguarding energy security for its 1.4 billion people, as the US moves ahead with legislation that could pave the way for sanctions on Russia and punitive tariffs on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas.
Reacting to the passage of the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by the US House of Representatives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India would continue to diversify its sources of energy in accordance with changing market conditions.
“As stated on several earlier occasions, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” the MEA said. The ministry said India would pursue this objective through diversified sourcing and by responding to developments in global energy markets.
The MEA also said the possible consequences of the US legislation had been discussed with American officials at various levels in recent months. India, it said, had clearly conveyed its assessment of the potential impact on both bilateral ties and the wider international energy market.
“India has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect the country’s trade and economic interests,” the ministry said, adding that the Government would coordinate with domestic trade and industry bodies to address the consequences of the developments.
The US House passed the legislation by 262 votes to 159 on Wednesday, following its approval by the Senate last month. The measure now awaits consideration by President Donald Trump.
The legislation provides for sanctions targeting Russia, including its leadership and energy sector, and proposes action against vessels associated with the so-called “shadow fleet”, which Washington alleges is used to circumvent sanctions on Russian oil shipments.
It also gives the US President powers to impose substantial tariffs on countries that continue to rely on Russian oil and gas, with India and China among the major economies potentially affected.
The House vote followed an 86-11 approval of the measure in the Senate last month. While the legislation received support from lawmakers across party lines, opposition in the House was particularly focused on the extent of tariff powers that would be available to the President.
Democratic lawmakers have argued that granting additional tariff authority to Trump could have wider economic consequences. Congressman Richard Neal was quoted during the House debate as saying that the objection was to giving the President greater authority over tariffs.
Supporters of the legislation, meanwhile, have argued that stronger economic pressure is necessary to reduce Russia’s ability to finance its war effort in Ukraine.
Russia has criticised a new US sanctions package, warning that additional measures against Moscow could complicate efforts to reach a peace settlement in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was monitoring the legislation and described the additional US sanctions as “unfriendly actions.”
“We are, of course, monitoring the progress of this document. It falls under the category of unfriendly actions, and of course the imposition of any additional sanctions by the US would certainly complicate efforts to find a peace settlement in Ukraine,” Peskov told reporters.
The sanctions package targets Russia’s energy and defence industries, Russian officials and financial institutions, as well as vessels forming part of what Washington describes as the country’s “shadow fleet” of tankers used to maintain energy shipments despite existing Western restrictions.
The legislation aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine, which has entered its fifth year. US-mediated efforts to end the war have been stalled for months. President Trump sent two envoys to Moscow and Kyiv earlier this month as part of efforts to restart the peace process.
