India on Thursday warned that a US sanctions bill authorising tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil could have implications for the bilateral relationship and the global energy market, hours after the US House of Representatives passed the legislation, sending it to President Donald Trump ’s desk.
India-US ties fell to their lowest point in more than two decades after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports last year. The two sides reached an understanding in February to slash tariffs to 18% as they worked towards a bilateral trade agreement. Though leaders from both countries have said they have agreed on most elements of the deal, it is yet to be signed.
The statement reiterated India’s position that its energy purchases are guided by national interest. The president can waive tariffs on any country by certifying to Congress that the waiver serves the national interests of the US. The White House’s role in securing passage remains unclear. But recent reports in US media indicate the White House may have played a key role in pushing the bill through by persuading opposition Democratic lawmakers to vote for it.
“The President plans to sign the bill,” a White House official told news agencies, but did not specify a timeline for the signing. India’s external affairs ministry said in a statement that the government was determined “to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests” and would work closely with trade and industry bodies to deal with the fallout. New Delhi has discussed the bill “at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors,” the ministry said, adding that India had “very clearly articulated” the potential implications — “for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market. “India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” the ministry said, adding that the country would continue sourcing energy through “diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics. To permanently lift them, he must certify that the country has stopped purchasing Russian energy and has provided “reliable assurances” it will not resume. Congress has just sent an unmistakable message to Putin,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who played a central role in backing the legislation. Last month, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said Trump’s support for the bill had been muted even as legislators sought to give him expanded tariff authority.
“Today is a big day.
