India warns new US tariffs over Russian oil could impact ties

India has cautioned the United States that new measures to levy tariffs over the purchase of Russian oil could impact ⁠bilateral ties, hours after the US Congress approved a bill that would provide President Donald Trump new abilities to punish buyers of Russian oil.

Key points

• The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a sweeping sanctions and tariff bill intended to growth economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of ⁠Ukraine.
• India's foreign ministry remarked on Thursday that it "remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people".
• "The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests, " it remarked in an official note.
• India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, is among the biggest buyers of Russian oil.
• The administration would work closely with trade and industry bodies to agreement with the legislation's implications, it continued.

For context, the US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a sweeping sanctions and tariff bill intended to growth economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of ⁠Ukraine.

As well as Moscow's so-called shadow fleet of tankers employed to circumvent Western sanctions, the bill targets Russia's energy and defence sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior authorities.

It additionally authorises President Donald Trump to impose stiff tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries, including India, to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas, and⁠ extend sanctions on Iran. The bill has been sent to Trump to sign into law.

According to The Indian foreign ministry, it had observed the bill's passage, adding that New Delhi had raised the matter with various US interlocutors in recent months, and had "very clearly articulated" the potential implications for the bilateral relationship and the international energy market.

Notably, the administration would work closely with trade and industry bodies to agreement with the legislation's implications, it continued.

India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, is among the biggest buyers of Russian oil. It is seen as helping Moscow replenish its budget since it introduced its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and was hit with ⁠sweeping Western sanctions.

New Delhi has repeatedly sought to resist pressure to reduce its oil trade with Russia, saying its sizeable population and economy need secure, affordable and reliable energy supplies.

Taken together, the developments around india warns new US tariffs over Russian oil could impact ties point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.