India Says Energy Imports Will Follow Commercial Viability
New Delhi reiterates independent energy policy as new US law raises the possibility of tariffs linked to purchases of Russian oil and gas.
India has said it will continue sourcing energy from countries offering commercially viable and economical options, even as a new US sanctions law creates the possibility of additional tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said India's energy decisions would be guided by its national interest and the needs of its 1.4 billion people. He also stressed that the country's foreign policy remains independent and that New Delhi would take decisions based on what it considers beneficial for the country. (@theweek)
The comments come after US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation expands sanctions and tariff authorities related to Russia and also extends existing measures concerning Iran. (@theweek)
The legislation gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major countries purchasing Russian crude oil or natural gas, subject to the law's provisions and presidential implementation decisions. The legislation therefore does not mean that a 100% tariff has automatically been imposed on India. (@theweek)
Singh described energy as a primary concern for India and said the government would continue looking for sources that are economically suitable for the country. India had earlier said it was committed to ensuring energy security through diversified sourcing while monitoring the implications of the US legislation for trade and bilateral relations. (@theweek)
The development puts renewed attention on India's energy sourcing strategy as New Delhi balances domestic energy requirements with an increasingly complex international sanctions and trade environment.