New Delhi, July 31 -- Reaffirming that national interests and the energy needs of its 1.4 billion citizens remain paramount, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday addressed concerns surrounding a recently advanced US Senate sanctions bill aimed at penalising major importers of Russian oil.

Speaking during the official media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that New Delhi is actively monitoring the legislative developments in Washington while maintaining a steadfast approach to its energy procurement policy.

"Let me say that we are aware of this development and we are closely monitoring the situation. As you know very well, our position on energy security has been clarified and very well articulated on ...