India-US Ties, Energy Security In Focus As Envoy Kwatra Meets Senator Alsobrooks

India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra met Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks and discussed the India-US bilateral partnership, growing energy cooperation and New Delhi’s priority of ensuring uninterrupted and affordable fuel supplies.

The meeting comes amid India’s concerns over the recently enacted Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (SRIA), which gives US President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian oil and gas.

“Had a pleasant meeting with Senator @Sen_Alsobrooks of Maryland. We discussed the strengths of the India-US bilateral partnership, growing energy cooperation and India's energy security imperatives,” Kwatra said in a post on X on Sunday.

Kwatra also highlighted the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Maryland to strengthening ties between India and the state.

The latest engagement comes after India publicly raised concerns over the US sanctions legislation. New Delhi has said the measure could have implications for bilateral relations and the global energy market, while maintaining that it would take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests and energy security.

The legislation, signed by Trump last month, authorises additional tariffs on countries that continue significant purchases of Russian energy. However, the law does not automatically impose a 100 per cent tariff, leaving the US president discretion over whether and at what level such duties would be imposed.

The issue has featured prominently in recent India-US diplomatic engagements. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the sanctions legislation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and reiterated India’s interests and concerns regarding the measure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump also discussed trade, defence, energy and critical technologies during their September 30 phone call, their first conversation since the sanctions legislation was enacted. Modi had also raised New Delhi’s concerns over possible tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, according to reports.

India remains heavily dependent on imported crude, with Russian supplies accounting for a significant share of its oil imports. The possibility of higher US tariffs therefore comes as New Delhi seeks to balance its energy-security requirements with its broader strategic and economic relationship with Washington.