India Raises Concerns Over US Russian Energy Sanctions

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on September 23, 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly. Jaishankar raised India's concerns regarding the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (SRIA), which President Donald Trump recently signed into law.

The legislation authorizes the US administration to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. Jaishankar warned that such measures could disrupt global energy markets and damage bilateral ties, emphasizing India's necessity to ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion people.

While Rubio's public response focused on the broader US-India strategic partnership and regional priorities without specifically addressing the SRIA, the two diplomats also discussed the situations in the Gulf and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite tensions over the sanctions and an inconclusive trade deal, both nations continue to cooperate through the Quad to address maritime security and port infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific to counter the influence of China.