'Energy Security Of 1.4 Billion Remains Priority': India After US Passes Russia Sanctions Bill

India on Thursday said it was monitoring developments after the US Congress passed legislation imposing tougher sanctions on Russia and Iran, while making it clear that the country would continue to prioritise the energy security of its 1.4 billion people.

“The Government of India has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress. We are monitoring further developments on this matter," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The MEA said India remained “firmly committed" to ensuring energy security and would continue to pursue this through diversified sourcing and in line with evolving market dynamics.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, with the legislation now moving towards President Donald Trump. The bill had earlier cleared the Senate.

Among its provisions, the legislation gives the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue to purchase significant quantities of Russian oil and gas. India and China are among the major buyers of Russian energy and could therefore face exposure to the measure.

The legislation also targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors and seeks action against entities and vessels involved in efforts to circumvent existing sanctions.