India, US discuss Russia-Iran sanctions amid energy security concerns
India and the US have discussed possible sanctions on countries that engage economically with Russia and Iran, even as Washington said it remains well-positioned to help regional partners meet their energy security needs. The issue came up during a meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.
According to the US State Department, Rubio and Jaishankar exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and elsewhere, and also reaffirmed the importance of the US-India strategic partnership in promoting a safe, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The State Department said the two leaders discussed sanctions that could be levelled against states that engage economically with Russia and Iran.
The State Department statement said: "Rubio and Jaishankar exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and beyond. The two also discussed sanctions that could be leveled against states that engage economically with Russia and Iran. The Secretary emphasized that the United States remains well-positioned to help regional partners address their energy security challenges."
In his meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar reiterated India's "interests and concerns" over the Russia sanctions law signed by President Donald Trump. He also discussed the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine with the US side. Posting on X, Jaishankar said, "Good to meet @SecRubio of the US #UNHighLevelWeek." He added, "Reiterated India's interests and concerns with regard to SRIA. Also discussed the Gulf and Ukraine situations," referring to the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
Earlier, Rubio said it was "great to meet" Jaishankar in New York. "Together, we are building on the U.S.-India strategic partnership and coordinating on key regional priorities and upcoming multilateral efforts," he said.
Last Friday, Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which authorises and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions on Russia, and extends existing sanctions on Iran. The law is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had proposed a sanctions bill seeking 500 per cent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil.
Addressing world leaders at the United Nations on Tuesday, Trump said he had signed the "powerful new law" that gives him "enormous new tariff authorities" on major buyers of Russian oil, including India and China. "If necessary, I will have to use them. It's time to stop the killing," Trump said at the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
India has said it remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people and will continue to do so through diversified sourcing, as the issue figured in the latest discussions between New Delhi and Washington.
