India announced on Thursday its readiness to take necessary actions to safeguard its trade and economic interests following the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of a sanctions bill targeting major buyers of Russian oil. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed with a 262-159 vote, could impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue significant trade with Russia, including India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan.
The proposed legislation, which has already cleared the U.S. Senate, awaits presidential approval to become law. India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens, stressing the importance of maintaining a diversified energy portfolio in response to evolving market dynamics.
India has initiated discussions with U.S. officials at senior levels concerning the potential repercussions of the bill. Additionally, the Indian government plans to collaborate with local trade and industry bodies to mitigate any adverse economic impacts arising from the sanctions.
Amid these developments, India has been actively diversifying its energy sources, increasing purchases from countries such as the United States and Venezuela, although Russia remains a significant supplier of crude oil. This diversification strategy aligns with India’s broader efforts to maintain stable energy supplies despite geopolitical shifts.
The looming sanctions have sparked concerns about their effect on India-U.S. trade relations and the broader global energy market. As the situation unfolds, India continues to monitor the legislation’s progress and its potential implications for international trade dynamics.