New Delhi, Sept. 17 -- Former diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni has characterised the passage of The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by the US Congress as a strategic "pressure tactic" designed to curb India's energy imports from Russia and force concessions in stalled bilateral trade talks.

Speaking with ANI, Soni provided a detailed breakdown, evaluating the geopolitical implications of the bill and India's position.

Addressing the legislative momentum in Washington, Soni expressed surprise at the political consensus that carried the bill through both chambers of Congress.

He observed that "it was passed with the support of some Democrats who normally have been very supportive of India", noting that key lawmakers "opted t...