New Delhi: Tension is in the news between India and America regarding the purchase of crude oil from Russia. Such a law is moving forward in America, in which there is a provision to impose additional tariff up to 100 percent on countries purchasing energy from Russia. The US Senate has approved it by a vote of 86-11 and now the process is moving forward in the House of Representatives. There are questions about the impact on India, but New Delhi has indicated that decisions related to energy needs will not be based on external pressure.
What did India say?
India's stance has been that energy procurement decisions are taken keeping in mind national interest, available options and domestic needs. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said that India takes decisions related to energy security in the interest of the people of the country. In such a situation, there is no indication of change in India's policy regarding oil purchase from Russia.
Lindsey O. The Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026 aims to increase economic pressure on Russia. There is a provision in the bill to give the President the power to impose tariffs up to 100 percent along with economic measures on countries purchasing energy from Russia. This could have an impact on big Russian energy buyers like India and China. According to Reuters, the US House of Representatives is considering this bill.
Demand to include the name of India
American lawmakers have demanded that the names of major countries purchasing oil from Russia be clearly included in the bill. Due to this reason, the discussion of bringing some countries including India and China under the ambit of possible tariffs has intensified. However, the final form of the law has not been decided yet. Therefore, it would not be correct to consider 100 percent tariff as already applicable to India. Energy trade between India and Russia has increased over the years. India takes oil purchase decisions considering price, availability and energy security. America is increasing pressure on buyer countries. The impact on India will be clear only after the final law is made.