India Resists U.S. Tariffs on Russian Energy Purchases

The Government of India is preparing to resist the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which authorizes President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on the top five purchasers of Russian energy. India, a major buyer of Russian crude oil, warned through its Ministry of External Affairs that the law could adversely impact international energy markets and bilateral relations. The Ministry stated that India will not compromise on national interest or energy security for its 1.4 billion people.

President Donald Trump signed the act into law last week. While the U.S. Congress took a tough public stance, the United States Department of State has downplayed tensions, noting that the law provides a tool for the president rather than a mandate for immediate deployment. A senior official highlighted a broad national security waiver that the president could invoke to avoid imposing the tariffs.

To offset the sanctions, the U.S. aims to become a primary source for India's energy needs by increasing hydrocarbon exports, specifically LPG and LNG. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have discussed these diversification efforts, including potential new market access for India in Venezuela. Further bilateral discussions are expected between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the G20 Trade Ministers' meeting in Milwaukee.