‘Indian Side Made Clear…’: MEA Responds As US House Clears Russia Sanctions Bill Threatening 100% Tariffs

India on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring energy security for its people amid growing pressure from the United States over imports of Russian energy.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India would continue to secure energy supplies for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sources and in line with evolving global market conditions.

The statement came a day after the US Congress passed a Russia sanctions bill that could further increase economic pressure on countries maintaining energy ties with Moscow.

India Stresses Diversified Energy Sourcing

Responding to questions about the US legislation and the threat of potentially steep tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy, the MEA said India’s approach would continue to be guided by its energy-security requirements.

“India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its people,” the ministry said.

India will continue to source energy from multiple suppliers, with purchasing decisions based on market dynamics and the country’s requirements, the ministry indicated.

100% Tariff Threat

The latest development comes against the backdrop of a US threat to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and other energy products.

Washington has been seeking to intensify economic pressure on Russia, while India has maintained that its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interests and market conditions.

The proposed US measures have raised concerns over their potential impact on India’s energy costs, particularly given the country’s dependence on imports to meet a large share of its crude oil requirements.

India Maintains Focus On Energy Security

India has repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping energy supplies affordable, reliable and diversified.

The MEA’s latest statement signals that New Delhi intends to maintain a broad-based sourcing strategy while monitoring developments in international energy markets and sanctions regimes.

With the US sanctions legislation adding to uncertainty over trade and energy flows, India’s energy-import strategy is likely to remain a key issue in its engagement with Washington and other major energy-producing countries.