Jaishankar Raises India’s Concerns Over US Russia Sanctions Law With Rubio At UNGA
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, raising India’s “interests and concerns” over Washington’s newly enacted Russia sanctions legislation, SRIA.
Taking to X, Jaishankar said the two leaders also discussed the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine. “Good to meet @SecRubio of the US during #UNHighLevelWeek. Reiterated India’s interests and concerns with regard to SRIA. Also discussed the Gulf and Ukraine situations,” he wrote. Jaishankar is currently heading the Indian delegation at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The meeting took place days after US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA) into law, granting him expanded powers to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas — a list that currently includes India. The bill had cleared the House of Representatives just two days before Trump’s signature made it law.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed the House on Wednesday by a 262-159 vote, following its earlier clearance in the Senate by an 86-11 margin on August 7.
Under the law, Trump now has the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas a group that includes China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan.
Following the meeting, Rubio posted on X, “Great to meet with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar in New York today.” He added, “Together, we are building on the U.S.-India strategic partnership and coordinating on key regional priorities and upcoming multilateral efforts.”
Separately, US diesel prices have crossed $6.50 a gallon nationally (roughly Rs 165 per litre), driving up costs for farmers, truckers and much of the agricultural supply chain. The Trump administration is now working to restrict diesel exports as the president’s poll numbers slide.
Sanctions Could Affect Bilateral Ties, Global Energy Market: India
India had earlier cautioned that the sanctions bill, which permits tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian oil, could carry consequences for both bilateral relations and the global energy market.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the government was resolved “to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests” and would coordinate closely with trade and industry bodies to manage any fallout.
Also Read:Erdogan Raises Kashmir Issue Again at UNGA, Calls for Dialogue Under UN Charter
According to the ministry, New Delhi had raised the issue “at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors,” clearly conveying its potential impact “for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market.”
The ministry further reiterated that India’s energy procurement decisions are guided by national interest, stating, “India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” and that the country would continue to source energy through “diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics.”