India has told Washington that new measures to levy tariffs over the purchase of Russian oil could impact bilateral ties, the South Asian nation’s foreign ministry said yesterday, hours after the US made a new move to punish such buyers.
The United States is India’s top export destination with goods shipments rising to $42.79 billion in April-August from $40.39bn a year earlier, according to the latest official data.
Earlier in the day, the US House of Representatives passed a sweeping sanctions and tariff bill intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
The bill, now sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law, authorises him to impose stiff tariffs of up to 100 per cent on China, India and other countries to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.
The Indian foreign ministry said that it had noted the passage of the bill, adding that New Delhi had raised the issue with the US in recent months, and had ‘very clearly articulated’ the potential implications for the bilateral relationship and the international energy market. New Delhi remains ‘firmly committed’ to ensuring energy security for its people and would continue to source supplies from diverse sellers based on market dynamics, the ministry said in a statement.
“The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests,” said the ministry.
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