India has made it clear that its energy policy will remain unchanged, even as President-elect Donald Trump pushes legislation proposing a steep 500 per cent tariff on countries importing Russian oil or uranium. The proposed move, which could significantly impact major buyers such as India, China and Brazil, has triggered fresh geopolitical and economic concerns.
Addressing the issue during its weekly briefing on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was aware of the controversial bill and reaffirmed India’s long-standing position on energy security. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined that New Delhi’s decisions are guided solely by national interest and the need to ensure affordable energy for its population of over 1.4 billion.
“Our position on energy sourcing is well-known. We are guided by the imperative to procure cost-effective energy from diverse sources to fulfil the energy security needs of our vast population,” Jaiswal said.
The bill, recently approved by Trump, aims to penalise nations continuing to import Russian oil and uranium by imposing extraordinarily high tariffs. If enacted, it could disrupt global energy trade flows and strain bilateral economic relations. However, India signalled it would not yield to external pressure.
“India’s energy policy will not bend under any pressure. Our priority is ensuring affordable energy reaches every Indian,” the MEA asserted.
India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, has significantly increased its intake of discounted Russian crude since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. These imports have played a crucial role in stabilising domestic fuel prices amid global volatility.
Analysts caution that the tariff threat could test Indo-US relations, but note that India’s diversified energy basket—including supplies from the Middle East, Africa and other regions—offers a degree of insulation against potential disruptions.
The MEA’s firm response reflects New Delhi’s broader diplomatic approach: balancing strategic partnerships while prioritising domestic economic stability and energy security in an increasingly uncertain global environment.