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India rejects US tariff bill, vows to safeguard energy security

New Delhi has firmly rejected proposed US sanctions legislation targeting Russian and Iranian energy supplies, asserting it will continue sourcing oil and gas from diverse suppliers to meet the energy needs of its 1.4 billion population.

LSN India · 17 September 2026

India rejects US tariff bill, vows to safeguard energy security

India's government issued a strong statement after the US Congress advanced legislation imposing fresh sanctions on Russia and Iran, clarifying that New Delhi will not compromise on its energy security requirements.

The Indian government said it is closely monitoring developments in the United States regarding proposed tariff measures and sanctions regimes. Officials emphasized that India's energy policy is driven by the imperative to ensure stable, affordable supplies for its vast population.

"There can be no compromise on energy security," the government's position indicated, signaling that India will maintain its pragmatic approach to international energy procurement. The stance underscores New Delhi's determination to pursue an independent foreign policy in matters concerning vital national interests.

India has long maintained that its energy sourcing decisions are based on economic considerations and the nation's development requirements, rather than geopolitical alignments. The country sources crude oil and natural gas from multiple suppliers globally, including Russia and Iran, alongside traditional partners in the Middle East.

The development reflects broader tensions between India's energy imperatives and Western efforts to enforce sanctions through secondary measures that could restrict third-country engagement with targeted nations.