India reacts to 100% US tariff threat over Russian oil, says ‘determined to protect trade, economic interests’

India reacted firmly to the passage of the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 in the US Congress, saying that the Indian side has "made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests."

The Centre said it has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act that puts India at risk of tariffs up to 100 percent. "We are monitoring further developments on this matter," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Thursday.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 was introduced in the US Senate on September 16. It proposed to "increase the rate of duty up to 100% ad valorem on all goods imported into the US from a country that was among the five largest importers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas if such country knowingly makes new purchases of such products after enactment of the bill."