Archive · 24 Sep 2026
India, US Discuss Russia Sanctions, Tariffs and Energy Security
The foreign ministers of the United States and India met at the United Nations.
They talked about a new US law involving sanctions and tariffs against countries that buy from Russia and Iran.
India is worried because it buys a large amount of oil from Russia.
The United States said it could help partners deal with energy-security problems.
The law gives the US president powers to impose tariffs, but the president decides whether and how to use them.
One report described a possible 100 percent tariff, while the law was also linked to an earlier proposal for 500 percent tariffs.
India said it must keep energy supplies reliable for its 1.4 billion people.
The officials also discussed conflicts and cooperation in several regions.
Marco Rubio and S. Jaishankar met in New York during the 81st UN General Assembly session.
The officials discussed possible sanctions against countries trading economically with Russia and Iran.
Jaishankar raised India’s interests and concerns about the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
The law gives the US president expanded tariff authorities targeting major buyers of Russian oil, including India and China.
The talks also covered energy security, the Gulf, Ukraine, the Middle East, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- Who
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- What
- They discussed sanctions and possible tariffs connected to economic dealings with Russia and Iran, along with energy security and regional issues.
- When
- Wednesday, September 24, 2026; Trump signed the sanctions law the previous Friday, and addressed the UN on Tuesday.
- Where
- New York, on the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- To address sanctions-related concerns, energy security, regional developments, and the US-India strategic partnership.
India’s Energy and Trade Concerns
US Sanctions and Pressure
Russian oil purchases
India’s Energy and Trade Concerns
India says it must protect energy security for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing; Russian oil is described as a major part of its energy relationship.
US Sanctions and Pressure
The United States has discussed sanctions and tariffs against countries that economically engage with Russia, including major buyers of Russian oil.
Use of tariffs
India’s Energy and Trade Concerns
India is concerned that tariffs could affect its exports to the United States and complicate the trade agreement being negotiated by the two countries.
US Sanctions and Pressure
The law gives the US president a tool to influence developments involving Russia, Ukraine, and Iran, although Marco Rubio said the president will decide whether and how to use it.
Energy assistance
India’s Energy and Trade Concerns
India emphasizes maintaining independent and diversified energy supplies while raising its concerns about the sanctions law.
US Sanctions and Pressure
Washington says it is well-positioned to help regional partners address energy-security challenges, without detailing the specific offer or mechanism.
- Meeting
- Marco Rubio met S. Jaishankar in New York during the 81st UN General Assembly.
- Sanctions law
- The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 expands sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions involving Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran.
- Potential targets
- Donald Trump said the law provides expanded tariff authority over major buyers of Russian oil, including India and China.
- Tariff discrepancy
- One report described a 100 percent tariff under the legislation, while the articles also said Lindsey Graham had proposed 500 percent tariffs in an earlier sanctions bill.
- Energy security
- The State Department said the United States remains positioned to help regional partners address energy-security challenges.
- India’s position
- India said it remains committed to securing energy for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing and changing market conditions.
- Other topics
- The talks covered the Middle East, the Gulf, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and upcoming multilateral efforts.
