India on Thursday affirmed its commitment to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people and declared its resolve to protect national economic interests following the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress. Reacting to the legislation passed by the US House of Representatives, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that New Delhi is closely monitoring developments surrounding the bill, which provides discretionary authority to the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major importers of Russian energy.

The Ministry highlighted that India’s position on energy sourcing remains firmly anchored in national interest and evolving market dynamics. The Ministry noted that high-level discussions with US interlocutors in recent months had clearly articulated the potential risks the proposed measures pose to bilateral relations and global energy market stability, adding that the government would work alongside domestic trade bodies to manage any emerging fallout.

Focus On Energy Security And Trade Interests

In an official statement issued in New Delhi on September 17, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the Government of India had noted the passage of the bill and was tracking subsequent actions in Washington. “As stated on several earlier occasions, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. It will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics,” the statement read.

Addressing potential economic friction, the Ministry emphasised New Delhi’s intention to safeguard domestic trade from unilateral actions. “The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests. Government will work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications of these developments,” the statement noted.

The Ministry added that the potential ramifications for the broader bilateral relationship and international energy markets had been firmly communicated to American officials during prior interactions.

US House Clears Legislation Authorising Secondary Tariffs

The Ministry’s response follows the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by the US House of Representatives on Wednesday. The bill passed with a 262-159 vote margin after previously clearing the US Senate by an 86-11 vote on August 7. The legislation now moves to President Donald Trump for his signature to be enacted into law.

A central provision of the legislation grants the US President executive authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. While the bill establishes a legal pathway for Washington to levy punitive tariffs on countries continuing energy trade with Moscow, it does not automatically impose a 100 per cent duty on Indian goods, leaving any enforcement to presidential discretion under specified statutory conditions.

Named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who negotiated the package over more than a year, the legislation expands restrictions against Russian financial institutions, state officials, and vessels operating within Russia’s shadow fleet. The package also incorporates a five-year extension of existing sanctions on Iran, a key element that secured White House backing for the broader legislation.

During Congressional deliberations, supporters such as Republican Representative Michael McCaul argued that the tariff mechanism was necessary to leverage access to the US market and reduce revenues funding Moscow’s military operations. Conversely, opposition Democrats led by Representative Gregory Meeks expressed concern over granting the executive branch sweeping tariff authority, attempting unsuccessfully to amend the bill to narrow its scope and remove secondary sanction powers targeting major energy buyers such as India and China.

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