The United States is seeking greater access to India’s energy market as New Delhi looks to diversify its long-term energy sources, according to a senior US State Department official.
The official said India has long sought to diversify its energy supplies and that the US is looking to support that effort while expanding its role as an energy supplier.
The comments came after US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which authorises tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India.
According to the report, the US official said the legislation gives Trump a new tool but does not mean the tariffs will necessarily be imposed immediately.
Responding to questions about the legislation and its potential implications for India, the official said India has been trying for a long time to diversify its energy sources.
The official also pointed to Venezuela as a potential source, saying the country has significant oil reserves. The report said Washington is looking at helping support India’s diversification efforts while increasing US access to the Indian energy market.
The US official added that the country is now the world’s largest LPG exporter and the second-largest LNG exporter.
The remarks come as energy trade remains an important part of India-US economic relations and amid wider changes affecting global oil and gas supplies.
