**Title: India Unlikely to Reduce Russian Oil Purchases Despite New US Tariffs**
In a significant development regarding international energy trade, India appears poised to maintain its oil purchases from Russia, even in the face of a newly passed sanctions bill in the United States Senate. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which aims to impose steep tariffs on Russia's top oil buyers, passed with a substantial majority of 86-11 votes on Friday.
The legislation allows the U.S. administration to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil, a move intended to curb Russia's oil revenues amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly related to the conflict in Ukraine. India, currently the second-largest buyer of Russian oil after China, has reportedly shown little inclination to reduce its imports despite these new sanctions.
Indian media sources indicate that the country’s long-standing relationship with Russia, which dates back to the Cold War era, plays a crucial role in its energy decisions. According to reports, India's crude oil imports from Russia surged to approximately 2.8 million barrels per day in July, accounting for 55% of its total oil purchases. This increase occurred after a waiver on U.S. sanctions expired, further illustrating India's commitment to maintaining its energy ties with Moscow.
A source quoted by the Hindu Businessline emphasized that India’s defense and energy relationship with Russia is deeply entrenched and cannot be easily abandoned due to external pressures. The source noted, “It cannot simply be given up under external pressure,” reflecting a sentiment that resonates with India's broader foreign policy approach.
Despite the potential economic repercussions of the U.S. sanctions, Indian officials have not signaled a willingness to curtail their oil imports from Russia. The ongoing geopolitical landscape, particularly disruptions to oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, may further solidify India’s resolve to secure its energy supplies from Russian sources.
Additionally, India's complex relationship with the United States complicates the situation. While India is engaged in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S., it is also cautious about the implications of potential tariffs on Indian goods, which could affect American consumers as well. A second source mentioned, “Imposing high tariffs on Indian goods is not a good idea for the American consumers as well.”
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has previously criticized what he termed Western double standards regarding sanctions on Russia. He highlighted the selective application of these sanctions based on the interests of the U.S. and Europe, suggesting that the principles behind such measures are not as straightforward as they may seem.
The Graham bill, while a significant step in U.S. legislative efforts to penalize Russia, still faces hurdles in the House of Representatives, where some lawmakers express skepticism about granting further authority for sanctions and tariffs to the Trump administration. The potential impact of these tariffs on domestic consumers is also a concern for many lawmakers.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the dynamics of U.S.-India relations will evolve in light of these new sanctions and India's steadfast approach to its energy needs. The Indian government’s strategy appears to prioritize energy security and long-standing partnerships over compliance with external pressures, signaling a complex interplay of geopolitical interests in the energy landscape.