India has said it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its trade and economic interests after the US Congress passed legislation aimed at imposing tougher sanctions on Russia.

The US House of Representatives passed the Russia sanctions bill on September 16. The legislation targets Russia’s economy and provides the US president with authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue certain trade involving Russian energy. India and China are among the countries that could be affected by the provisions.

India says trade and economic interests will be protected

India’s response comes as the legislation moves forward in Washington. The bill, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine.

India has maintained that its decisions concerning energy and trade are guided by its national interests. The latest statement indicates that New Delhi will continue to assess the implications of the US legislation while protecting its economic and trade interests.

What the US sanctions bill means for India

The legislation gives the US president a legal framework to impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries meeting specified conditions linked to Russian energy purchases. The measure does not itself mean that India has automatically been hit with a 100% tariff. Any such tariff would depend on the provisions of the legislation and subsequent action by the US administration.

The House passed the bill by 262 votes to 159. It now moves to President Donald Trump for consideration.

The legislation also targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors and seeks to tighten measures against vessels associated with efforts to circumvent existing sanctions.

India faces fresh pressure over Russian energy trade

India has remained a major buyer of Russian energy, making the tariff provisions particularly significant for its trade relationship with the US.

However, the passage of the bill does not by itself establish that India will face a 100% tariff. The legislation creates the authority for such action subject to specified conditions and subsequent decisions by the US administration.

Saudi Arabia placed Mecca under an unprecedented air raid alert after its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of the holy city.

The alert came amid repeated attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Iran-backed Houthis in recent days. The latest escalation has increased security concerns around the kingdom, including the holy city of Mecca.

Houthi drone intercepted near Mecca

According to the report, Saudi air defences intercepted the drone before it could enter Mecca’s prohibited airspace.

The incident prompted Saudi authorities to issue an alert in Mecca. Similar warnings were also issued in Jeddah and Taif as the kingdom faced a series of attacks linked to the ongoing escalation.

The Saudi-led coalition later said the drone had been destroyed south of Mecca. A coalition spokesperson described the safety of Mecca as a “red line” and warned of a response to further attacks.

Houthis step up attacks on Saudi Arabia

The latest incident comes amid renewed fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

The Houthis have also declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and targeted ships in the Red Sea, according to the report. The developments have widened the security concerns facing Saudi Arabia.

The alerts in Mecca, Jeddah and Taif were brief and were later lifted after authorities determined that the immediate danger had passed.

China has said it is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with India and appropriately manage differences between the two countries ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said Beijing and New Delhi were arranging a bilateral meeting between Xi and Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:45 pm on Saturday, according to the report. Xi’s visit marks his return to India after nearly seven years.

China stresses cooperation with India

In a post on X on Friday, Xu said China would work with India in line with the strategic guidance provided by the two leaders.

He said Beijing wanted to approach India-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective while increasing communication and cooperation.

China said it would properly handle differences and work towards good-neighbourly relations while helping each other succeed. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning echoed the position during a media briefing, saying Beijing would work with New Delhi to strengthen communication, expand cooperation and manage differences.

Modi-Xi meeting comes ahead of BRICS Summit

Xi Jinping has travelled to New Delhi to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, which India is hosting on September 12 and 13.

The Chinese President’s visit comes after a period of strain in India-China relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Relations have since seen efforts towards stabilisation, including meetings between Modi and Xi in Kazan and Tianjin.

The upcoming meeting in New Delhi will be the third consecutive year in which the two leaders have met, according to the Chinese side.

Xi left Beijing on Saturday for India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. His delegation includes senior Chinese officials, including Cai Qi and Wang Yi.

The Modi-Xi bilateral is expected to provide another opportunity for the two sides to maintain high-level engagement while addressing differences in their relationship.