India and US Discuss Sanctions Over Russian Oil Imports
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with US officials and lawmakers to discuss potential tariffs under the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation on September 27, 2026, to discuss the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions against Russia and Iran Act (SRIA). Signed by President Donald Trump, the law authorizes the US to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil and gas, specifically targeting major buyers such as India and China.
Led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, the delegation discussed the framework of the SRIA, though the law does not automatically apply these tariffs to Indian exports. These talks follow a September 23 meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A final determination on whether to impose sanctions against India is expected next month within a 30-day deadline.
During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Misri held separate meetings with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker. These discussions expanded beyond sanctions to cover energy security, civil nuclear cooperation, and the Pax Silica initiative, which focuses on securing supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, and AI technologies. The Ministry of External Affairs of India stated it will take necessary steps to protect its economic interests and energy security.
