India To Study US Russia Sanctions Law Before Taking Position, Says Piyush Goyal

India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on September 21 that his country will thoroughly examine the provisions of the recently enacted US sanctions law targeting Russia before expressing any stance. When questioned by reporters, Goyal stated, “The details are now emerging. We will study them and discuss the matter at an appropriate time.”

This came in response to the signing of the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by US President Donald Trump on September 18. The legislation broadens sanctions against Russia and empowers the US President to impose additional tariffs on nations continuing substantial purchases of Russian energy. India, which is one of the primary importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, is keenly focused on the implications of this new legislation.

The act permits tariffs on imports from countries that remain key buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, although the maximum tariff rate is not automatically applied; it depends on the decisions made by the US administration. India's energy security remains a top priority, and the potential effects of the new US sanctions on India's energy trade and overall economic ties with the United States are being closely evaluated.

Simultaneously, India and the United States are actively negotiating a bilateral trade agreement, with Indian officials set to engage in discussions with US Trade Representative Jamie Jamieson Greer during the upcoming G20 Trade Ministerial meeting in Milwaukee later this month.