Congress says U.S. law on Russian oil purchase is an ‘affront’ to India’s sovereignty

The Congress on Thursday (September 17, 2026) demanded that the Narendra Modi government make its position clear on the latest move in the U.S. to impose steep tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, with the party’s general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal asking whether India’s foreign policy and energy security would be “controlled from Washington”.

His remarks came after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262-159, clearing the way for American President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. The legislation now awaits Mr. Trump’s signature.

“Will the PM find the guts to stand up to the U.S.’ latest Senate resolution? Will India’s foreign policy and energy sovereignty be controlled from Washington?” Mr. Venugopal said in a post on social media platform X.