New Delhi vows energy security while Beijing reduces US debt holdings amid new sanctions legislation.
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The US House approved legislation allowing Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna welcomed the Lindsey Graham-sponsored bill targeting Russian energy imports.
India rejected the economic coercion, defending its right to diverse energy sources. New Delhi warned the tariffs could impact bilateral ties and stated it would protect its trade and economic interests.
China cut its US Treasury holdings to the lowest level since 2008, per the Financial Times. The report notes this gradual unwinding reflects a deepening rift between the world's two largest economies.
Trump claimed the US is nearing the end of its nearly seven-month war with Iran, per CNBC. He suggested Tehran is open to a deal as the US escalates economic pressure on rivals.
Sources: 1. CNBC: Trump gains a tariff weapon against China and India. Will he use it? — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/17/trump-russia-sanctions-india-china-oil-tariffs.html (src1) 2. DW News: India news: New Delhi vows to ensure 'energy security' amid Trump's 100% tariffs threat — https://www.dw.com/en/india-news-new-delhi-vows-to-ensure-energy-security-amid-trump-s-100-tariffs-threat/live-79300604?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-xml-mrss (src2) 3. CNBC: Trump says U.S. ‘hopefully’ nearing end of Iran war as Saudi Arabia-Houthis trade strikes — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/17/us-iran-war-trump-hormuz.html (src3) 4.