Archive · 1 Oct 2026
India-US Trade Talks Continue as Modi-Trump Call Omits Sanctions
India and the United States are trying to make a temporary trade deal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump spoke by phone about their countries’ relationship.
They discussed trade, defence, energy and technology.
Their public statements did not mention a new US sanctions law.
The law could allow the United States to put very high taxes on some goods from countries buying certain Russian energy products.
India says the law could hurt its relationship with the United States and affect energy markets.
US officials say they discussed possible sanctions and offered help with energy security.
Indian and American trade officials will continue talking about an interim agreement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump reviewed trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas during a Wednesday phone call.
India’s readout and Modi’s post on X did not mention the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, or SRIA.
The US law allows possible tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries making certain new purchases of Russian oil or natural gas.
India has warned that the law could affect bilateral ties and global energy markets while defending its diversified oil-sourcing policy.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in the United States for G20 discussions and talks aimed at advancing an interim bilateral trade agreement.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Donald Trump, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and officials from India and the United States.
- What
- India-US discussions are continuing on an interim trade agreement amid concerns over possible US sanctions related to Russian and Iranian trade.
- When
- Modi and Trump spoke on Wednesday; Goyal’s US visit and related trade discussions are ongoing.
- Where
- The phone call involved India and the United States; Goyal is in the United States for the G20 Trade Ministers meeting.
- Why
- The countries are seeking a balanced interim trade agreement while addressing concerns about the US Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act and energy security.
India’s Concerns
United States’ Position
Potential sanctions
India’s Concerns
India has warned that penalties for trade with Russia and Iran could harm the bilateral relationship and the international energy market.
United States’ Position
The US State Department said the two sides discussed possible sanctions against states engaging economically with Russia and Iran.
Energy security
India’s Concerns
India says it will continue its policy of sourcing oil from diversified suppliers.
United States’ Position
The US secretary of state said the United States remains well-positioned to help regional partners address their energy-security challenges.
Trade negotiations
India’s Concerns
India is pursuing a balanced and mutually beneficial interim trade agreement with the United States.
United States’ Position
The United States is continuing engagement on the trade framework while sanctions-related concerns remain part of the broader relationship.
- Trade objective
- India and the United States are working toward an interim bilateral trade agreement.
- Sanctions law
- The Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act was signed into US law two weeks before the reported phone call.
- Potential tariff
- The law allows the US President to raise duties by up to 100% on certain goods imported from affected countries.
- India’s concern
- India warned that the law could affect bilateral relations and international energy markets.
- India’s policy
- India said its current policy of diversified oil sourcing would continue.
- Recent diplomatic meeting
- S. Jaishankar and Marco Rubio discussed sanctions during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
- Upcoming discussions
- Piyush Goyal is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his US counterpart during his US visit.