External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has addressed concerns regarding a recent US bill targeting countries, including India, that maintain trade relations with Russia. The proposed legislation, known as the "Sanctions on Russia Act of 2025," aims to impose a 500% tariff on goods from nations that are seen as supporting Russia's economy.

When asked about the potential impact of this bill on India, Jaishankar responded with a measured tone, stating, "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it". This suggests a willingness to address the issue if and when the bill becomes law.

The US bill is designed to penalize countries that continue to trade with Russia, particularly in the energy sector. India, along with China, is a major buyer of Russian oil, and their purchases have been crucial in sustaining the Russian economy amidst Western sanctions. Senator Lindsey Graham has stated that India and China purchase 70% of Russia's oil, which in turn supports Russia's war efforts.

If the bill is enacted, Indian goods could face significant cost burdens in the US market. India is a key US partner in sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, and textiles, and reduced access to the US market could impede India's export growth.

Despite these potential challenges, India maintains that its oil purchases from Russia are legal and are in line with its national energy security interests. Jaishankar has previously defended India's decision to buy Russian oil, asserting that it shouldn't be a concern for other countries if India is "smart enough to have multiple options". He also pointed out that India's monthly purchases of Russian oil are less than what Europe buys in an afternoon.

Currently, India and the United States are engaged in negotiations for a bilateral trade pact. Jaishankar has expressed optimism that these talks will have a successful conclusion, emphasizing the need for both nations to find common ground. He acknowledged that reaching an agreement depends on both parties involved in the discussion. The hope is that this trade deal could potentially mitigate the impact of the proposed sanctions.

The situation is further complicated by the evolving geopolitical landscape. Jaishankar has noted a shift in the United States away from traditional alliances, with countries increasingly pursuing their own interests. He pointed to the rise of China and India as examples of this changing world order.

The US Commerce Secretary has previously conveyed concerns to Indian leaders about maintaining friendly relations and trade with Russia, suggesting it could impact US-India relations. However, India has also emphasized that its Quad partners should understand and appreciate India's right to defend itself against terrorism.

As the US bill progresses through the legislative process, India will likely continue to engage with the United States to protect its economic and strategic interests. The outcome will depend on various factors, including the final form of the legislation, the ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US, and the broader geopolitical context.