NCP (SP) urges Centre to disclose impact of US tariff threat over Russian oil

The NCP (SP) on Saturday urged the Centre to publicly disclose a detailed assessment of the potential impact on India of a new US law that gives President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.

Senior party leader and spokesperson Mahesh Tapase questioned the government’s handling of India-US relations and said any pressure to reduce Russian crude imports could have implications for domestic fuel prices.

US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on Friday. The legislation expands sanctions against Russia and gives the US administration the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian energy, including India and China. Importantly, the law does not automatically impose a 100 per cent tariff on India; it provides the US president with the authority to impose such duties under specified conditions.

Tapase said the government should explain how it plans to protect Indian exporters and jobs that depend on the US market if higher tariffs are imposed. He also sought details of any contingency plan for securing alternative crude supplies if India is required to reduce its purchases from Russia.

India remains heavily dependent on imported crude, while Russia has accounted for a significant share of its oil imports. The Ministry of External Affairs has said New Delhi will continue to prioritise energy security and diversify its sources of supply based on market conditions.

The NCP (SP) leader also demanded a sector-wise assessment of the possible tariff impact, arguing that the public should be given greater clarity on India’s economic exposure to the new US measure.

Tapase further criticised the Modi government over its handling of trade ties with Washington and questioned whether its diplomatic efforts had secured adequate protection for Indian exporters. The Centre has said it is monitoring developments and remains committed to safeguarding India’s trade and economic interests.

with inputs from PTI