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10:48 18.09.2026 •
Pic.: Zee Business
India has warned Washington that new measures to levy tariffs over the purchase of Russian oil could impact bilateral ties, the South Asian nation's foreign ministry said on Thursday, hours after the U.S. made a new move to punish such buyers, Reuters reports.
Earlier in the day, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a sweeping sanctions and tariff bill intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
The bill, now sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law, authorizes him to impose stiff tariffs of up to 100% on China, India and other countries to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.
The Indian foreign ministry said that it had noted the passage of the bill, adding that New Delhi had raised the issue with various U.S. interlocutors in recent months, and had "very clearly articulated" the potential implications for the bilateral relationship and the international energy market.
New Delhi remains "firmly committed" to ensuring energy security for its people and will continue to source supplies from diverse sellers based on market dynamics, the ministry said in a statement.
"The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests," said the ministry, adding that the government would work closely with trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications of the legislation.
India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, is among the biggest buyers of Russian oil, which is seen as helping Moscow replenish its budget since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and was hit with sweeping Western sanctions.
New Delhi has repeatedly sought to resist pressure to scale back its oil trade with Russia, saying its large population and economy need secure, affordable and reliable energy supplies.
Indian refiners have arranged oil for September and October which includes Russian oil, according to sources aware of the matter.
Two refining sources said they want the government to take up the issue with U.S. authorities as oil prices will rise sharply if Trump decides to impose new tariffs.
Oil supplies have reduced substantially due to the war in the Middle East and cutting Russian supplies will have a big impact on the profits of refiners as they are already selling fuels at below-market costs, the sources said.
Refiners want the government to seek some relaxation, instead of imposing a 100% tariff, to allow them to wind down the existing transactions and fix a quota for India to buy Russian oil, they added.
Indian analysts say the possibility of new U.S. tariffs on Indian exports could complicate ongoing India-U.S. trade negotiations and potentially delay or make an agreement on a trade pact more difficult.
"Washington may use the tariff threat to pressure India to reduce Russian oil purchases and accept a deeply unequal trade agreement," said Ajay Srivastava, founder of New Delhi-based think-tank Global Trade Research Initiative and a former trade official.
After months of talking, India and the U.S. are yet to reach a consensus on a trade agreement with New Delhi holding out for a better deal.
China hits out at US sanctions law targeting Russian energy buyers
Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, speaks to journalists
Photo: DPA
China on Thursday criticized sweeping new US sanctions legislation targeting Russia that could also have a major impact on Beijing, one of the largest buyers of Russian energy.
The legislation, approved by both chambers of Congress, is now heading to President Donald Trump for his signature. It gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
China maintains "normal economic and trade relations with all countries in the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.
Such cooperation was not directed against any third party, Guo said, adding that these countries should neither interfere nor exert pressure.
China also opposes the extraterritorial application of laws that have no basis in international law and have not been authorized by the UN Security Council, he said.
The US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the legislation after it previously cleared the Senate. The measure is aimed at restricting Russia's ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
It includes direct sanctions against Russian officials and companies as well as measures targeting Russian oil and gas exports.
The legislation gives Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that are among the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas and continue making such purchases.
China and India, both major buyers of Russian energy, could be particularly affected by the measures.
The dispute comes at a sensitive time in US-China relations, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected in Washington next week.
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