14 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India has described recent discussions with the United States as reassuring, even as a US Senate-backed bill could allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue buying Russian energy. India is among the major buyers potentially affected.
Why Is India Facing the Tariff Threat?
The proposed measure is part of a broader US effort to increase economic pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine.
The legislation would give the US president authority to impose steep tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, potentially including India. However, the 100% tariff has not been imposed on India; the bill still has to move through the US legislative process before any such action could take effect.
India and US Remain in Contact
Indian government sources have said New Delhi is closely monitoring the legislation while remaining in contact with Washington.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said India and the US remain in “regular contact” as negotiations continue on their proposed bilateral trade agreement.
Russian Oil Is at the Centre of the Concern
India has become increasingly dependent on Russian crude. An analysis cited by The Times of India estimated that Russia supplied around 52% of India’s crude-oil imports in July 2026, making any sudden disruption particularly significant for India’s energy security.
What Could Happen Next?
The tariff threat adds another complication to ongoing India-US trade negotiations, but Indian officials appear hopeful that the issue can be addressed through diplomacy.
US trade adviser Peter Navarro has also said that Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a strong working relationship and can work through the dispute over Russian oil-related tariffs.