Pakistan, Sept. 17 -- India said Thursday it would take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests. The statement came after US lawmakers approved new sanctions targeting Russia. The measures focus on Moscow's energy and defence sectors.

Read More: U.S. sanctions force India to ditch $33B Russian oil contracts

The legislation also targets Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. It further targets Russia's so-called shadow fleet of tankers. These vessels allegedly help Moscow avoid Western sanctions and continue energy exports. The bill gives US President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100%.

Those tariffs could target major buyers of Russian oil and gas. China and India could face...