Indija spremlja ameriški zakon, ki zahteva 100-odstotne carine za ruske kupce nafte

India is closely monitoring a U.S. bill that seeks to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The statement came as the U.S. Senate passed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, clearing it by an 86-12 vote. The legislation, which now moves to the House of Representatives, authorizes President Donald Trump to implement sanctions against Russia and entities aiding its military actions in Ukraine. It also grants him the power to levy steep tariffs on nations that buy substantial amounts of Russian oil or gas or assist Moscow in evading sanctions. The bill outlines specific provisions under Section 113, which targets the five largest buyers of Russian fuel or countries that facilitate sanctions evasion via shadow fleets. Among these, India and China are included, alongside Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan. The law mandates that the U.S. Trade Representative review the list of top five purchasers every 180 days and adjust tariff rates accordingly. This mechanism aims to ensure that the U.S. can dynamically respond to shifts in global energy trade patterns. In response to the passage of the bill, the MEA issued a statement through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing. He emphasized that India is “closely monitoring the developments” and reaffirmed that New Delhi’s approach to energy imports is rooted in national interests. Jaiswal noted that India’s strategy prioritizes energy security, particularly given the country’s need to meet the demands of its 1.4 billion population through diverse sources. He highlighted the importance of maintaining relationships with multiple suppliers, including the United States, to achieve this goal. Jaiswal further stated that India continues to engage with relevant stakeholders in the U.S. at various levels regarding the implications of the proposed legislation. His comments underscored the ongoing diplomatic dialogue between the two nations, even amid potential economic pressures stemming from the U.S. measures. The engagement reflects India’s broader efforts to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics while safeguarding its strategic and economic interests. The U.S. Senate’s approval of the bill marks a significant step in Washington’s campaign to curtail Russia’s influence in global markets. The legislation not only imposes financial penalties on countries that support Russian energy exports but also signals a more aggressive stance toward enforcing sanctions compliance. The inclusion of India and China in the targeted list highlights the growing scrutiny of major economies that continue to import Russian hydrocarbons despite international pressure. While the bill is still pending in the House of Representatives, its passage by the Senate indicates a bipartisan consensus on the need to address perceived violations of sanctions. The proposed tariffs could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets, potentially altering trade flows and prompting retaliatory measures from affected countries. For India, the prospect of facing such tariffs raises concerns over its ability to maintain stable and affordable energy supplies, especially as it seeks to balance its foreign policy objectives with domestic economic needs. As the legislative process unfolds, the focus will shift to how the House of Representatives responds to the Senate’s action. The outcome will determine whether the bill becomes law and, if so, the extent to which it impacts international trade relations. Meanwhile, India’s continued engagement with U.S. officials suggests that it is actively working to mitigate potential adverse effects and explore alternative pathways to secure its energy requirements.