India says it will protect energy security and trade interests after the US Congress passed the Russia-Iran sanctions act.
© Vadim Savitsky/TASS
New Delhi has said it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its trade and economic interests following the passage of the US Russia-Iran sanctions act in Congress. In its latest response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that India energy security remains a major priority and that the country will continue using diversified sources based on changing market conditions.
The development comes after the US Congress passed the Russia Iran sanctions act, officially known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation gives the US president additional powers to impose sanctions and tariffs related to countries purchasing Russian energy.
India Response to US Russia Iran Sanctions Act
The Indian government said it has taken note of the passage of the legislation and is closely following further developments.
“The Government of India has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress. We are monitoring further developments on this matter,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The ministry also reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining energy supplies for its population.
“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 said.
India’s position highlights the importance of Russian oil imports India has relied on as part of its broader energy sourcing strategy. At the same time, New Delhi has stated that its sourcing decisions will continue to be guided by energy requirements, diversification and market conditions.
US Russia Sanctions Bill and India
The US Russia sanctions bill has been discussed between Indian and US officials at senior levels in recent months.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the possible effects of the legislation have already been raised with various US interlocutors. New Delhi has highlighted concerns regarding both India US trade relations and the wider international energy market.
“This issue has been discussed at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors. Its potential implications for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market have been very clearly articulated by the Indian side,” the statement reads.
The legislation was passed by the US House of Representatives on September 16, 2026, after previously receiving approval in the Senate. The measure includes provisions targeting Russia and Iran and gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on certain countries purchasing Russian oil and natural gas. The tariff authority is discretionary and does not itself impose a 100% tariff on India.
India Says It Will Protect Trade and Economic Interests
As part of its India response to US Russia Iran sanctions act, New Delhi has also emphasized its intention to protect the country’s commercial interests.
“The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The government added that it will coordinate with Indian trade and industry bodies to address the possible consequences of the latest developments.
“Government will work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications of these developments.”
The statement comes as the new US measures could have implications for countries that maintain significant energy trade with Russia. India has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining energy security while adapting its sourcing according to international market conditions.
India Energy Security Remains a Priority
The Indian government’s latest statement places India energy security at the centre of its response to the new US legislation.
New Delhi has said it will continue to rely on diversified energy sources rather than depending on a single supplier or market. This approach is intended to help maintain stable energy supplies while responding to changes in the global market.
The issue also has implications beyond bilateral relations, as changes in major energy trade flows can affect the international energy market.
For India, the developments will therefore be closely monitored as the US considers the next steps concerning the legislation and its implementation.
Conclusion
India has reiterated that protecting energy security, trade and economic interests will remain central to its approach following the passage of the US Russia-Iran sanctions legislation. The government has said it is monitoring developments and will work with trade and industry bodies to address the implications.
For The Times of Russia, the latest development highlights the continuing impact of changes in US sanctions policy on international energy trade and India’s economic interests.
India has also made clear that it will continue pursuing diversified energy sourcing while taking necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
