India said Thursday it would continue sourcing oil from diverse suppliers, hours after the US House of Representatives passed legislation authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas. The bill, which also includes new sanctions related to Russia’s war in Ukraine, now goes to President Donald Trump for signature.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the country remained committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. In a statement, the ministry said supplies would be secured through diversified sourcing and according to changing market conditions.
The ministry said Indian officials had discussed the legislation with their US counterparts in recent months. It said New Delhi had clearly outlined possible consequences for the bilateral relationship and the international energy market, and had made clear its determination to protect its trade and economic interests.
The legislation targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, according to the supplied report. It also includes measures against Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet of older tankers used to evade sanctions, and extends sanctions on Iran.
The bill would permit secondary sanctions against countries that rely on Russian oil and gas, including tariffs. China and India are expected to be among the principal targets. India is the world’s third-largest oil importer, while Russia has become one of its largest suppliers and remains a longstanding strategic and military partner.
New Delhi has repeatedly defended its dealings with Moscow as necessary for meeting its energy requirements. The ministry said it would work with trade and industry bodies to assess the legislation’s implications.