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India closely watching US bill on Russian oil imports, says MEA
🇴🇲 Oman /Economy & Trade

India closely watching US bill on Russian oil imports, says MEA

From Times of Oman · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • India's Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring a proposed US bill that could impose 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil.
  • The MEA stated that India's crude oil imports are driven by energy security needs and a diverse sourcing strategy.
  • The US legislation targets major purchasers of Russian oil and gas to penalize support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

New Delhi is "closely following" a new US legislative proposal that could impose hefty 100% tariffs on India and four other nations for their purchases of Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed its awareness of the bill and is actively monitoring the situation, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Jaiswal reiterated India's long-standing position that its crude oil imports are dictated by national energy security requirements and a broader global sourcing strategy. "We buy oil from various countries in the world. It is based on our approach towards energy sourcing," he stated during a weekly media briefing.

The proposed US legislation, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, aims to sanction major buyers of Russian oil and gas. This revised bill, named the "Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026," seeks to hold these countries accountable for financially supporting Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. It refines earlier proposals by shifting from a blanket tariff to targeted sanctions of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas.

We are closely following these developments, and we are aware of the proposed legislation.

— Randhir JaiswalMEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirming India's awareness of the US bill targeting Russian oil purchases.

The bill also includes provisions to penalize countries facilitating Russia's evasion of oil sanctions. This move by the US comes as global energy markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments. The MEA's response underscores India's commitment to maintaining its energy independence while navigating complex international relations.

Separately, Jaiswal addressed reports of US military strikes near Iran's Chabahar port, stating that the terminal itself sustained no damage. He noted that a previously granted US waiver for certain activities related to the port had expired, and discussions with relevant parties were ongoing.

As far as buying oil, we buy oil from various countries in the world. It is based on our approach towards energy sourcing.

— Randhir JaiswalMEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explaining India's energy import strategy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Times of Oman in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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