India responds to US tariff threat over Russian oil, says 'will protect trade & economic interests'

India has responded to the US Congress passing legislation that could allow tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from major buyers of Russian energy, saying it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its trade and economic interests.

The legislation gives the US President the authority to impose potentially steep duties on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. India, one of the largest buyers of Russian crude, could be among the countries affected by the measure.

"As stated on several earlier occasions, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. It will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.