India Slams Sanctions on Russian Oil Trade

Why in the News ?

India has cautioned against U.S.-backed sanctions targeting buyers of Russian oil, following a proposed Russian Sanctions Act, 2025. The Bill seeks to impose 500% duties on countries like India, China, and Brazil, triggering diplomatic responses and debates over energy security.

India Responds to U.S. and NATO Pressure:

●  The proposed Russian Sanctions Act, 2025, introduced in the U.S. Congress, seeks 500% ad valorem duties on countries trading in Russian oil and petro-products.

●  NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned India, China, and Brazil to stop buying Russian energy or face tariffs.

●  MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed India’s energy needs and warned against “double standards” in global diplomacy.

●  Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri stated India would “deal with sanctions” if passed and highlighted India’s shift from 27 to 40 oil source countries.

U.S. Relations and Deportation Tensions

●  External Affairs Minister Jaishankar raised energy security concerns directly with Senator Lindsey Graham.

●  The Bill has bipartisan support, with 87 co-sponsors in the House and 84 in the Senate.

●  Alongside tariffs, India is engaging with the U.S. on market access, especially in agriculture, dairy, and GM produce.

●  1,563 Indian nationals have been deported from the U.S. in 2025 alone, after initial backlash over military flights carrying shackled deportees.

●  Now, deportations are conducted via commercial chartered flights, reflecting improved diplomatic coordination.