'National Priorities Come First': India Stands Firm on Russian Oil Imports Amid Proposed US Sanctions

India on Friday made it clear that its energy security will not be dictated by external pressure.

Responding to a proposed US sanctions Bill targeting major importers of Russian oil, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi's energy policy would continue to be guided by "national priorities" and the need to ensure affordable, reliable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens.

"We are aware of this development and are closely monitoring the situation," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a media briefing.

He reiterated that India's approach to energy procurement has remained consistent.

The remarks come days after the US Senate overwhelmingly approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation that would empower the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian energy and countries accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions.

If enacted, the measure could have implications for countries such as India and China, both of which continue to purchase Russian crude.

Despite the proposed legislation, India indicated there would be no immediate shift in its energy strategy.

Instead, Jaiswal said New Delhi would continue engaging with US authorities while pursuing a diversified energy basket designed to safeguard the country's long-term energy needs.

"We remain engaged with relevant stakeholders in the United States at various levels on this particular matter," he said.

India has consistently maintained that its energy purchases are driven by economic and national interest considerations rather than geopolitical alignments.

Friday's remarks reinforce that position, signalling that energy security remains a non-negotiable priority even as geopolitical pressures around Russian oil continue to intensify.

(With inputs from ANI)