Days after the U.S. Congress passed a new Russia sanctions law targeting countries importing Russian crude oil, including India, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with a five‑member U.S. Congressional Delegation led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast.
The delegation included Bill co‑sponsor Jimmy Patronis, Republican lawmaker James Gallagher, and Democrat Hailey Stevens, all of whom voted in favour of the sanctions. Indian‑origin U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar, who opposed the Bill, was also part of the team.
During the meeting, Misri raised India’s concerns over the law’s potential impact on energy security and bilateral relations. The discussions followed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s earlier engagement with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, where India highlighted the risks of sanctions disrupting affordable crude imports. Misri also recently discussed the issue with U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.
India has relied on discounted Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict disrupted global energy markets, and officials warn that sanctions could significantly raise costs. The meeting underscores New Delhi’s diplomatic push to safeguard national interests while maintaining strategic ties with Washington.
