The United States has reassured India regarding its concerns over the proposed Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which could have implications for bilateral ties due to potential tariffs on Russian energy purchases. As a significant buyer of Russian oil, India is apprehensive about the legislation’s impact on its energy security and the broader India-US relationship.
A senior US State Department official acknowledged India’s need to address the legislation, especially after some US lawmakers criticized New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian energy. The official emphasized that there were “no hard feelings” from the US regarding India’s stance and that Washington understands India’s position.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has expressed that the proposed sanctions could affect both the bilateral relationship and global energy markets. The US legislation includes a national security waiver, which would allow the US president to exempt certain countries from the measures under specific conditions. However, it remains unclear whether India would qualify for such a waiver, although the US has indicated that it would consider national security factors.
Discussions about the legislation took place during a meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Washington has shown support for countries like India that are seeking to diversify their energy sources, acknowledging India’s significant energy needs.
The dialogue between the two nations continues within platforms such as the Quad, highlighting ongoing cooperation despite the potential tensions over the sanctions. Secretary of State Rubio is also scheduled to visit India in October, which could further facilitate discussions on this issue and other aspects of the US-India relationship.