New Delhi warns Washington over proposed Russian oil tariffs
India’s foreign ministry cautioned that US tariff measures targeting Russian crude buyers could strain bilateral ties, following the House of Representatives’ approval of a sweeping sanctions bill.
India has formally warned the United States that proposed tariffs on the purchase of Russian oil could impact bilateral relations. The statement was issued by the South Asian nation’s foreign ministry on Thursday, arriving just hours after the US House of Representatives passed a significant legislative package aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Moscow.
The recently passed bill is designed to increase economic leverage over Russia regarding its invasion of Ukraine. It authorises tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that continue to buy Russian crude. While the legislation has cleared the lower house, the tariffs have not yet been fully imposed, as the relevant legislative process must still be completed before they take effect.
New Delhi’s response highlights the tension between geopolitical alignment and domestic energy needs. India, a major oil importer, has historically resisted pressure to reduce its purchases of Russian crude. The government cited the necessity of securing affordable and reliable energy for its 1.4 billion people as the primary rationale for maintaining these trade flows.
In its warning, the foreign ministry stated that India would protect its energy security and broader trade and economic interests. This institutional stance suggests a readiness to push back against measures that could disrupt the cost-effectiveness of its energy supply chain, even if it risks diplomatic friction with Washington.
The timing of the warning underscores the sensitivity of the issue for both capitals. For the US, the bill represents a bipartisan effort to isolate Russia economically. For India, the potential 100 percent tariff poses a direct threat to its energy strategy, forcing a careful navigation of its relationship with the United States while safeguarding domestic priorities.
As the bill moves through the remaining legislative steps, the coming weeks will determine whether the proposed tariffs become a binding policy. Until then, the diplomatic warning serves as a clear signal that New Delhi views the issue as a matter of core national interest rather than a peripheral trade dispute.
