The United States has sought to address India’s concerns regarding the potential impact of the proposed Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which could impose significant tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy, like India. A senior US State Department official acknowledged New Delhi’s apprehensions about the legislation’s implications on bilateral ties and global energy markets, affirming that there are “no hard feelings” over India’s stance.
The legislation, if enacted, would allow for tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian energy. This has raised alarms in India, a significant buyer of Russian oil, about the possible repercussions on its energy security and the broader India-US relationship. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has previously communicated these concerns to US officials, emphasizing the potential strain on energy supplies.
Despite the legislative proposal, the US official pointed to a national security waiver within the act that could provide the US president with the authority to exempt countries from certain sanctions under specific conditions. While it remains uncertain whether India would be granted such a waiver, the official mentioned that the waiver could be applied based on national security considerations.
The issue was also a topic of discussion between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the meeting, the US reiterated its support for countries like India that are diversifying their energy sources. The dialogue reflects ongoing cooperation between the two nations through platforms such as the Quad, with further engagement anticipated during Rubio’s planned visit to India in October.
As both nations navigate the complexities of the proposed sanctions, the US remains committed to maintaining strong ties with India, highlighting collaborative efforts to ensure energy security and strategic cooperation in the region.