MEA ‘monitoring developments’ of Russia sanctions bill in U.S. Congress

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.

The Ministry has stated that “India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people”. This would be ensured through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics.

“The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests,” the Ministry said in the statement. It is said that the government would work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications stemming from these developments.