India Warns: New U.S. Tariffs on Russian Oil Could Affect Bilateral Relations

India officially stated that the new tariffs imposed by the United States on the purchase of Russian oil could have serious implications for its bilateral relations with the U.S. This warning came after the U.S. Congress passed a bill allowing President Donald Trump to impose new sanctions on buyers of Russian oil.

Passage of the Sanctions Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a sanctions and tariff bill on Wednesday aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine. This bill targets the Russian energy and defense sectors, Vladimir Putin, and other senior officials in Moscow. It also allows President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries including India to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas, while continuing sanctions against Iran.

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India's Response to the Sanctions

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday that the country is "firmly committed to securing energy for its 1.4 billion people." The ministry also noted that it has taken the passage of this bill into consideration and has discussed it with American officials. India has clearly articulated the potential consequences of this action for bilateral relations and the international energy market.

The statement continued, "India has also clearly expressed its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its commercial and economic interests." The Indian government will work closely with business and industrial bodies to address the implications of this law.

As the third-largest oil importer in the world, India is one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Purchasing Russian oil has helped India bolster its economy against Western sanctions imposed after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Indian forces have repeatedly attempted to alleviate pressures to reduce their oil trade with Russia. Due to its large population and economy, the country requires a reliable, accessible, and sustainable energy supply.

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