New Delhi: India has reiterated its position on energy security after the US House of Representatives passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that gives President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas.

Responding to questions about the legislation, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India had already made its position clear on energy sourcing.

The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262-159 on Wednesday. The legislation had previously cleared the US Senate and will now move to the White House.

What did the MEA say?

India has maintained that its energy purchases are determined by the country's requirements and national interest.

At a media briefing, Jaiswal reiterated that position, saying the “Indian side has made clear” that its energy sourcing is based on national interest. The MEA has also said that the government is closely monitoring developments surrounding the US legislation.

The latest statement comes as concerns grow over the possible impact of the US legislation on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.

What does the Russia sanctions bill propose?

The legislation is designed to increase economic pressure on Russia, particularly over its war in Ukraine. It targets areas including Russia's energy and defence sectors, financial institutions and vessels associated with sanctions evasion.

One of the most significant provisions would give the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are major purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, subject to the conditions laid down in the legislation.

India and China are among the major purchasers of Russian crude and could therefore come under the provision.

Has the US imposed a 100% tariff on India?

No.

The passage of the bill does not mean that a 100% tariff has already been imposed on Indian goods.

Instead, the legislation would provide the US president with additional authority to impose such tariffs if the relevant provisions are triggered. The bill now goes to President Trump for consideration.

This distinction is important because headlines about a “100% tariff” can otherwise suggest that the duty is already in effect.

Why is India facing the tariff threat?

India has substantially increased its purchases of Russian crude since Western sanctions disrupted global energy markets following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The proposed US measures are aimed at putting economic pressure on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy, with the broader objective of reducing Moscow's revenues.

For India, the potential consequences would primarily concern its exports to the US. If a 100% tariff were ultimately imposed, Indian products entering the American market could face substantially higher costs.

US House clears the bill

The House vote on Wednesday saw the bill pass by 262 votes to 159. According to Reuters, 58 Democrats joined most Republicans in backing the legislation. The measure had already received strong support in the Senate, which passed it last month.

The bill also contains provisions targeting Iran and measures concerning Russia's so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers used to circumvent sanctions.

What happens next?

The legislation now moves to President Donald Trump after clearing both chambers of Congress. The White House will determine the next step on the bill.

For India, the immediate issue is therefore not an already imposed 100% tariff, but the new statutory authority that could allow Washington to impose such tariffs in the future.

New Delhi's position remains that India's energy sourcing is guided by national interest and energy-security requirements, while the government continues to monitor developments in Washington.

The legislation could therefore become another significant point in the evolving India-US relationship, particularly as both countries weigh the economic and strategic consequences of India's continued Russian energy imports.