A new US sanctions bill authorising President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil has raised concerns for India.

Analyst Michael Kugelman noted that while China imports more Russian oil than India, Beijing may escape harsher punishment due to its leverage over the global economy. India, however, faces greater exposure, given its reliance on discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine war disrupted global energy markets.

Kugelman highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unique position, saying he accomplished what “no non‑Western leader could” by balancing ties with Russia while maintaining strong relations with the United States and other Western allies. This balancing act has allowed India to secure affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens while navigating mounting geopolitical pressure.

The bill, now on Trump’s desk, underscores Washington’s determination to penalise countries continuing energy trade with Moscow. For India, the challenge lies in diversifying supplies without significantly raising costs, as alternative sources often mean higher freight, insurance, and shipping expenses.

Observers warn that the legislation could strain India‑US relations, even as both nations deepen cooperation in defence and technology. The coming months will test India’s ability to safeguard its energy security while managing diplomatic fallout.