Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Jaishankar Flags India’s Concerns Over Russian Oil Tariffs
India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York.
They met during an important United Nations gathering.
Jaishankar said he raised India’s concerns about a US law called SRIA.
The law could let the US place tariffs as high as 100% on countries that keep buying Russian energy.
India is one of the major buyers that could be affected.
India says it will protect its interests and decide where to buy oil based on changing conditions.
The two officials also talked about the Gulf and Ukraine.
The reports differ on whether the law is being described as passed by the House or already enacted after presidential approval.
S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York during the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week.
Jaishankar said he reiterated India’s interests and concerns about the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
The officials also discussed developments in the Gulf and Ukraine.
The legislation could authorize tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas.
India said it would protect its interests and continue basing oil-sourcing decisions on diversified and evolving market conditions.
- Who
- India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- What
- They discussed India’s concerns about the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, as well as the Gulf and Ukraine.
- When
- They met on September 23, 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week.
- Where
- New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- India is concerned that the law could lead to higher US duties on countries continuing to buy Russian oil or gas.
India’s Concerns
US Sanctions Policy
Effect on trade
India’s Concerns
India is concerned that higher US duties could affect its exports, bilateral relationship and broader energy-market interests.
US Sanctions Policy
The legislation is intended to pressure Russia by targeting energy revenues, financial networks and purchases of Russian oil and gas.
Russian energy purchases
India’s Concerns
India says its oil-sourcing decisions will continue to reflect diversified sourcing and evolving market dynamics while protecting its interests.
US Sanctions Policy
The law seeks to discourage major buyers from making new purchases of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas.
Scope of the measure
India’s Concerns
India maintains that purchasing in national currencies does not resolve the potential exposure because the law focuses on import volumes.
US Sanctions Policy
The measure would allow the US president to impose secondary tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian energy, with limited exemptions for reducing purchases.
- Legislation
- The Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, commonly referred to as SRIA.
- Potential tariff
- The law could authorize duties of up to 100% on goods imported from countries among the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas.
- House vote
- The US House of Representatives passed the package by 262 votes to 159.
- India’s exposure
- India remained a major buyer of Russian crude after Western sanctions disrupted Russia’s traditional energy markets.
- India’s response
- India said it would take necessary measures to protect its interests and continue diversified oil sourcing.
- Reported status
- One report describes House passage and proposed measures, while another says both chambers approved the law and President Donald Trump gave it assent.
- Other discussions
- Jaishankar and Rubio also discussed the Gulf, Ukraine, regional priorities and upcoming multilateral efforts.
