India’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the country’s resolve to safeguard energy security for 1.4 billion citizens amid the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026 by the US Congress. The bill, which the Senate approved last month, authorises the President to levy duties of up to 100 percent on goods from countries that purchase Russian oil and gas, including India.
The House vote, 262‑159, marked a decisive move to curb financial resources supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine and targets Russian officials, banks, and entities that facilitate sanction evasion. India, the largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude, faces a direct threat to its fuel supply chain if the tariff mandates come into force.
In its statement, the ministry said it had already been engaging with US counterparts to discuss the implications for bilateral trade and the broader energy market. It added that Indian refiners are increasing purchases from the US, Brazil, Canada, Venezuela, and Africa to diversify their supply base.
The bill now awaits presidential assent. If signed, India will need to recalibrate import routes and engage with trade and industry bodies to mitigate tariff impacts on its energy sector.