India vows energy security as US Russia bill looms

India has taken a strong stance on energy security following the US Congress' passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, while asserting that its priorities remain unchanged. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized India's commitment to providing energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens and its intent to diversify its sources of supply based on current market conditions.

This comes in response to the US House of Representatives passing legislation that could authorize President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian oil and gas, pending the president's signature.

India remains resolute in its commitment to energy security for its vast population, citing diversification and evolving market dynamics as the guiding factors in its crude sourcing decisions. High-level discussions with US counterparts have taken place, and India has clearly communicated the potential repercussions of the legislation on bilateral relations and the global energy market. Additionally, India has asserted its determination to safeguard its trade and economic interests.

Russian crude oil has become an increasingly vital component of India's energy mix, with purchases totaling $40.8 billion in the fiscal year 2026, representing 30.3% of India's total crude imports valued at $134.7 billion. Russia's share of India's imported crude rose to 51% by July 2026, a significant increase from previous years.

This surge in Russian oil purchases was largely driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as refineries sought discounted barrels to mitigate the impact on India's oil import bill and bolster energy security.

The exposure to Russian oil has expanded even as India has broadened its supplier base, sourcing crude from 31 countries during the six-month Iran war. However, obtaining alternative supplies quickly could prove challenging due to limited spare production capacity. The Indian government pledged to collaborate with trade and industry bodies to mitigate the repercussions of the latest developments.