Zillar Barta Desk : India has reacted to the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by the US Congress, saying that New Delhi is closely monitoring further developments and will take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests.
At the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) media briefing, India reiterated that energy security for its 1.4 billion people remains a key priority. The government said it would continue to diversify its energy sourcing based on evolving market conditions.
The US House of Representatives passed the legislation by 262 votes to 159, following its earlier approval by the Senate. The bill gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue significant purchases of Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting major buyers such as India and China. The legislation also expands sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector and vessels accused of helping evade sanctions, while including additional measures against Iran.
India said the possible consequences of the legislation have already been discussed at senior levels with US officials. According to the MEA, New Delhi has highlighted potential implications for India-US bilateral relations as well as international energy markets.
The ministry also stated that the Indian government will work with trade and industry bodies to address any economic consequences arising from the new measures.
The legislation does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India. Instead, it provides the US president with the authority to impose tariffs of up to that level if the conditions specified in the law are met and the administration chooses to act.
India's response comes amid continuing global uncertainty over energy supplies and the economic impact of sanctions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has maintained that its energy-import decisions will be guided by national energy-security requirements, diversification and market conditions.
