India has reaffirmed its commitment to securing energy supplies from a diverse range of sources following the passage of a new U.S. sanctions bill targeting Russia’s energy and defense sectors. The legislation, passed by U.S. lawmakers, aims to intensify economic pressure on Moscow by imposing restrictions on Russian oil and gas exports and granting President Donald Trump the authority to levy tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy, including countries such as China and India.
The U.S. bill also targets President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials, as well as the so-called shadow fleet of tankers Moscow utilizes to bypass existing Western sanctions. The effort seeks to curtail Russian revenue streams that are financing its ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the country remains dedicated to ensuring energy security for its population of 1.4 billion people. The ministry stated that India would continue to pursue “diversified sourcing” strategies based on evolving global market conditions. It also underscored New Delhi’s intention to take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its trade and economic interests.
Russia holds significant strategic importance for India, serving as a key partner in defense procurement and bilateral relations. In recent months, India has increased its imports of Russian crude oil substantially, particularly after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East earlier this year. In March, Indian refiners imported approximately 2.25 million barrels of Russian crude per day, nearly double previous levels, facilitated in part by temporary waivers granted by the U.S. government.
The timing of these developments followed discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS summit. According to the Indian foreign ministry, the implications of the U.S. sanctions legislation have been discussed at the highest levels with American counterparts, with India clearly communicating the potential impact on both bilateral ties and the global energy market.
India’s position reflects ongoing efforts to balance its strategic partnership with Russia against mounting international pressure to comply with Western-led sanctions regimes. As the U.S. seeks to limit Moscow’s financial resources amid the Ukraine conflict, India’s response highlights the complexities faced by major energy-importing nations in navigating geopolitical tensions while addressing domestic energy demands.