NEW YORK – India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed the nation's "interests and concerns" regarding the recently enacted US sanctions on Russia to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The discussions primarily centered on the potential impact of these measures on global energy security, particularly for countries like India.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, addressed the implications of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (SRIA). This legislation, signed by US President Donald Trump last Friday, significantly expands sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions targeting Russia, while also extending existing sanctions against Iran. President Trump, in his address to the UN General Debate, highlighted the "powerful new law" and its "enormous new tariff authorities" applicable to major buyers of Russian oil, explicitly mentioning India and China.
India's Stance on Energy Security Amid Sanctions
Minister Jaishankar emphasized India's unwavering commitment to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens. He reaffirmed that India would continue to pursue this objective through diversified sourcing strategies, a stance that has become critical amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape and the threat of expanded sanctions.
“Reiterated India's interests and concerns with regard to SRIA. Also discussed the Gulf and Ukraine situations,” Jaishankar stated on X following the meeting with Secretary Rubio.
The US State Department confirmed that Rubio and Jaishankar exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and beyond. They also discussed potential sanctions against states engaging economically with Russia and Iran, with Secretary Rubio underscoring the United States' capacity to support regional partners in addressing their energy security challenges.
Broader Diplomatic Engagements and Future Outlook
Beyond the immediate concerns over India Russia sanctions and energy, the two diplomats reviewed a broad spectrum of regional developments, including the Indo-Pacific partnership and the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine. Both reaffirmed the vital role of the US-India strategic partnership in promoting a safe, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The New York meeting also served as a precursor to Secretary Rubio's planned visit to India on October 19, indicating ongoing high-level engagement between the two nations on critical international issues.