India prioritizes energy security amid U.S. tariff threats over Russian oil

India has asserted that the energy security of its 1.4 billion citizens remains its highest priority following the passage of a bill in the United States Congress. The legislation grants the U.S. President authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that continue to purchase oil and gas from Russia.

Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s Ambassador to the United States, defended India’s decision to purchase Russian oil, noting that India’s per capita energy consumption is only one-tenth of that of the United States. He emphasized that the Indian government has a national responsibility to ensure an uninterrupted and affordable energy supply to protect its population from inflation.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that the country is monitoring the developments regarding sanctions on Russia and Iran and remains committed to securing energy through diverse sources in line with market dynamics. The government also indicated it will work closely with Indian trade and industry organizations to protect economic interests. Meanwhile, China has expressed support for India’s stance, with its Foreign Ministry rejecting U.S. tariff measures and stating that its own imports are determined by national energy needs and trade interests.