US Senator Richard Blumenthal has warned India and China to reduce their purchases of Russian oil and gas, telling them to buy energy elsewhere, after the US Congress cleared legislation that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy.
In a social media post on September 17, Blumenthal wrote, “To China and India: You better clean up your act. Buy your oil and gas somewhere else,” adding that appeasement was not a strategy. His comments came a day after the US House of Representatives passed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262 to 159, legislation that had already cleared the Senate and now awaits President Trump’s signature. The bill targets Russian officials, banks and the shadow fleet of tankers used to move Russian energy, and separately gives Trump the authority to impose steep tariffs on countries that continue large-scale purchases of Russian oil and gas.
India responded by defending its energy policy, stating it remained firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its people and would continue sourcing supplies from diverse sellers based on market conditions. In an official statement, the government said it had also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests, adding that it would work closely with trade and industry bodies to address the implications of the new legislation. Indian officials have repeatedly argued that the country’s large population and growing economy require secure, affordable and reliable energy supplies, a position New Delhi has maintained consistently since it began ramping up discounted Russian crude purchases following the start of the Ukraine war.
The legislation adds to an already strained period in US-India trade relations, with New Delhi having previously pushed back against earlier US tariff measures tied to its Russian oil purchases, arguing that its energy choices are driven by practical necessity rather than political alignment. How India ultimately balances its energy security priorities against mounting pressure from Washington remains to be seen, with the government so far signalling continuity in its current approach rather than any immediate shift in sourcing strategy.
