A senior U.S. State Department official said the United States is ready to help meet India’s large energy demands as the country seeks to diversify its supply sources.
Last week President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, authorizing tariffs up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian oil and gas, including India. The bill was introduced by former Senator Lindsey Graham, who had previously proposed higher tariffs. The official noted that Congress took a hard public stance but there are no hard feelings.
The official said the new law gives the president a tool that may not be used immediately but could be deployed to support efforts to end the war. A national security waiver could allow certain transactions, and the president may use that discretion. With the U.S. now in a better position after actions in Venezuela and Iran, it can provide alternative supplies to India.
The U.S. is the largest exporter of LPG and the second‑largest exporter of LNG. The official said the United States is looking to become a major source of India’s energy needs and that discussions between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio will continue. India has long sought diversification, and the U.S. aims to expedite that process.
