Jaishankar Raises India’s Concerns Over US ‘Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act’ with Rubio
India-US talks in New York also cover the Gulf, Ukraine and key regional priorities
NEW YORK, Sep 23: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday discussed India-US bilateral ties and New Delhi’s concerns over the US Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA) during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation.
Following the talks, Jaishankar said on X that he had reiterated India’s interests and concerns regarding the SRIA. The two leaders also exchanged views on developments in the Gulf and Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law last week. The legislation authorises the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting major buyers such as India and China.
India has said it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its economic interests and maintain the country’s energy security in response to the legislation.
Rubio, in a post on X following the meeting, said the two countries were coordinating on important regional priorities and upcoming multilateral initiatives. He also said Washington and New Delhi were continuing efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership.
The latest meeting follows talks between Jaishankar and Rubio in Manila in July, where the two sides discussed trade, tariffs, energy, defence, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.
During those discussions, India and the US also underlined the importance of concluding an interim trade agreement, according to the US State Department.
