China and India have raised concerns over new US sanctions legislation targeting Russia that could also affect major buyers of Russian energy.
The legislation, approved by both chambers of Congress, is awaiting US President Donald Trump’s signature. It seeks to restrict Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
The measure includes sanctions on Russian officials and companies, as well as provisions targeting Russian oil and gas exports. It authorises Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from countries among the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas that continue purchasing the supplies.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China maintained normal economic and trade relations with other countries based on equality and mutual benefit.
He said such cooperation was not directed at any third party and opposed the extraterritorial application of laws without a basis in international law or authorisation from the UN Security Council.
India’s Foreign Ministry said New Delhi had discussed the potential implications of the legislation with senior US officials in recent months.
It warned that the measure could affect both bilateral relations with Washington and the international energy market.
India also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people, including by diversifying its sources of supply.
India remains a major importer of Russian crude oil, although purchases fell by 26.3 per cent in August to 2.08 million barrels per day, down from a record level in July, according to Kpler data cited by The Indian Express.
Russia’s share of India’s crude oil imports dropped from nearly 60 per cent to 45 per cent. Kpler said the shift appeared to reflect market normalisation rather than a structural move away from Russian crude.
