A U.S. lawmaker has proposed an amendment that would specifically name India among countries that could face tariffs for continuing to trade in Russian oil, adding fresh pressure on New Delhi over its energy ties with Moscow.
The amendment has been introduced as the U.S. House of Representatives considers the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, a sweeping bill aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia and countries that continue significant trade with Moscow.The proposed amendment would specifically identify India, China and other major buyers of Russian oil. Under the bill, countries covered by the measure could face tariffs of up to 100% on goods entering the United States.
The move comes as Washington seeks to reduce Russia’s energy revenues, which U.S. lawmakers argue help sustain Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.However, the amendment is not yet law. Several competing amendments have been submitted, and lawmakers must decide which provisions will remain in the final legislation before the House votes.
For India, the proposal could have major economic and diplomatic implications. New Delhi has repeatedly defended its right to purchase energy from Russia based on national interests and has maintained that its energy policy is guided by affordability, availability and the needs of Indian consumers.
If the measure eventually becomes law in its current form, Indian exporters could face higher costs and greater uncertainty in the U.S. market.
