Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 17: India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing and evolving market conditions, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday in response to the US legislation on Russia sanctions.

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which provides a pathway for US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, including India and China.

“As stated on several earlier occasions, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” the MEA said in a statement.

“It will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics,” it said.

The MEA said the issue had been discussed at high levels with various US interlocutors in recent months, and India had clearly conveyed the potential implications of the legislation for both bilateral ties and international energy markets.

The Indian side has also conveyed its determination to take all necessary measures to protect the country’s trade and economic interests, the ministry said.

“The government will work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications of these developments,” the MEA said.