Congress says U.S. law on Russian oil purchase is an ‘affront’ to India’s sovereignty

Subscribed with another email? Unlock these with Subscription Updated - September 18, 2026 07:43 am IST - New Delhi Senior Congress Leader K.C. Venugopal asking whether India’s foreign policy and energy security would be “controlled from Washington”. The legislation now awaits Mr. Trump’s signature. “Will the PM find the guts to stand up to the U.S.’ latest Senate resolution? Will India’s foreign policy and energy sovereignty be controlled from Washington?” Mr. The government had repeatedly compromised India’s interests in dealing with the U.S., the Congress leader alleged, and questioned why New Delhi should not be free to decide from whom it buys crude oil. “Our foreign policy and sovereignty cannot be bartered at the altar of our friendship with the United States. Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh simply said: “Appeasement has never paid and will never pay.” The Congress’s attack came as the government sought to reassure the country that it would protect its economic and energy interests. India is monitoring developments following the passage of the legislation and remained “firmly committed” to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Published - September 17, 2026 09:20 pm IST USA / Russia / Indian National Congress / India Terms & conditions | Institutional Subscriber Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences.