India has said it is committed to meeting the energy needs of its 1.4 billion people after the US Congress passed legislation that could lead to tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing to buy Russian oil and gas.

The legislation gives US President Donald Trump the authority to impose heavy tariffs on countries purchasing energy from Russia. It will go to Trump after passing Congress, and will become law if he signs it.

India’s response

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it had taken note of the passage of the Act imposing sanctions on Russia and Iran. The ministry added that it was monitoring further developments related to the legislation.

India said its priority remained energy security (energy security) for its 1.4 billion people. It added that it would continue obtaining energy from different sources while responding to changing market conditions.

The ministry said India had already communicated this position on several occasions. The statement comes as the possibility of additional US tariffs has raised concerns over the effect on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.

Possible impact on India-US ties

India said senior officials from the 2 countries had held discussions on the issue during the past few months. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India had made clear that tariffs could affect not only bilateral India-US relations but also international energy markets.

The ministry also said India remained committed to taking all necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests. It will work with Indian trade and industry organisations to deal with the impact of these developments.

What the US bill allows

The bill passed by the US Congress could authorise tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue purchasing oil and gas from Russia. During the congressional debate, India and China were specifically identified as major buyers that could be affected.

The legislation received 262 votes in favour and 159 against in the US Congress. The next step is for the bill to go to Trump for consideration and signature.

The legislation has therefore not yet resulted in a tariff being imposed on India. Its potential effect will depend on the next action taken by the US president and on how the measure is applied to countries buying Russian energy.

Conclusion

India has reiterated its commitment to energy security while warning that potential US tariffs could affect bilateral relations and international energy markets. The immediate next step is Trump’s decision on whether to sign the legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is India’s response to the US tariff threat?

India says it will continue protecting the energy security of its 1.4 billion people and monitor further developments.

Q. What tariff does the US bill allow?

The bill could allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing to buy Russian oil and gas.

Q. Who could be affected by the legislation?

India and China were identified during the US congressional debate as major buyers that could be affected.

Q. Has the tariff already been imposed on India?

No. The bill must go to Donald Trump, and it would become law if he signs it.

Q. What does India say about the wider impact?

India says the possible tariffs could affect India-US relations and international energy markets.

Q. How will India respond to the developments?

India says it will take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests and work with trade and industry organisations.