US sanctions policy — on India and beyond — is reckless and blunt

The recent passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Bill has raised concerns about its impact on India's energy security, a critical aspect of India's foreign policy. This legislation empowers the White House to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil, with India and China being targeted.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar's assertion of India's right to ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion people is justified, as is his warning that weaponization against India could affect US-India relations.

This bill is reminiscent of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) from 2017, which also aimed to impose sanctions on US adversaries. However, the long-term consequences of such policies are evident, with conflicts in West Asia and Eastern Europe disrupting supply chains, escalating energy insecurity, and destabilizing the global order.

India's diplomatic efforts in securing an exception for its purchase of the S-400 missile defense system from Russia demonstrate a more measured approach compared to CAATSA.

The current stance of India, as framed by Jaishankar, allows for accommodation without compromising core issues. Much of the world, including India, had no role in creating the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. The Trump administration, which campaigned on ending "forever wars," cannot absolve itself of complicity in the worsening crisis in West Asia. While the administration has visited Russia to attempt ending the conflict, European nations rely heavily on Russian gas for their energy needs, without facing sanctions.

The Graham Bill may be a pressure tactic aimed at nudging Russia towards a peace deal or securing a trade agreement with India. However, its blunt nature could prove counterproductive, as energy supply issues may lead to increased prices in the US during crucial mid-term elections. While other middle powers must find ways to navigate this geoeconomic turmoil, Washington's narrow perspective could lead to a loss of trust in the US.