MEA ‘monitoring developments’ of Russia sanctions bill in U.S. Congress
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is monitoring a new U.S. bill that could impose up to 100% tariffs on countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia and Iran. India has expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on its energy security and bilateral trade relations.
Why it matters
This legislation poses a significant economic threat to India's energy strategy and could strain diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Washington.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (September 17, 2026) it has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the U.S. Congress and is monitoring further developments on the matter. The Bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives authorises the U.S. President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and other countries for buying oil and gas from Russia.
The Bill, which will now be sent President Donald Trump for his signature, could result in significant U.S. tariffs on India.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the MEA said that they have raised the issue with various U.S. 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,” reads the statement.
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