Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Rubio, Jaishankar Offer Differing Views on Global Order
Marco Rubio and S. Jaishankar met during a major United Nations meeting in New York.
Rubio said countries are not working together well enough to solve serious conflicts.
He mentioned tensions involving India and Pakistan and several other regions.
Jaishankar focused on a new United States law that could increase pressure on countries buying Russian energy.
The law could allow tariffs of up to 100 percent in certain situations, but it does not automatically impose them on India.
India says its energy choices are needed to protect its large population and depend on market conditions.
The two ministers also discussed Ukraine and the Gulf.
Jaishankar asked again for changes to the United Nations Security Council.
He also described India’s cooperation with Pacific island countries.
Marco Rubio said the international system is failing to address major conflicts and crises.
Rubio cited tensions involving India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia, Congo and Rwanda, Sudan, and Iran.
S. Jaishankar raised India’s concerns about a new US law expanding Russia-related sanctions and tariff powers.
The ministers discussed the Gulf, Ukraine, US-India cooperation, and upcoming multilateral efforts.
Jaishankar also renewed India’s call for UN Security Council reform and described new Pacific partnerships.
- Who
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- What
- They presented differing views on the global order and discussed sanctions, regional conflicts, Ukraine, and the Gulf.
- When
- During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly; Trump signed the sanctions law on September 18, 2026.
- Where
- New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- Jaishankar raised India’s concerns about the sanctions law, while Rubio addressed the international system’s handling of global conflicts.
US Assessment
Indian Concerns
Effectiveness of the international system
US Assessment
Marco Rubio said the international system is not functioning well and cannot address virtually any major global conflict.
Indian Concerns
S. Jaishankar argued that delayed reform of the UN Security Council represents continuing historical injustice and pressed for institutional change.
Russian energy purchases
US Assessment
The United States law expands sanctions and allows potential tariffs on countries that continue certain purchases of Russian energy.
Indian Concerns
India said the law raises concerns for its trade, bilateral relationship, and energy security, while emphasizing its responsibility to protect its population’s energy needs.
India-Pakistan hostilities
US Assessment
Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for helping stop the 2025 hostilities.
Indian Concerns
New Delhi rejected that claim and said the understanding to stop the fighting was reached through direct India-Pakistan channels.
- Sanctions law
- The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 expands sanctions and gives the US president additional tariff powers.
- Potential tariff
- The law permits tariffs of up to 100 percent under specified conditions on goods from countries continuing certain Russian energy purchases.
- Congressional votes
- The House passed the legislation 262-159 on September 16; the Senate passed it 86-11 in August.
- India’s position
- India says its energy decisions reflect the needs of its 1.4 billion people, available supplies, and market conditions.
- India-Pakistan tensions
- The article links Rubio’s comments to 2025 military tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed.
- Pacific cooperation
- Twelve Pacific nations have requested 20 sea ambulances from India, with deliveries expected by late March.