US Russia sanctions bill casts shadow on India as region shifts
Several developments with implications for India and the wider region unfolded on Wednesday, ranging from moves in the United States Congress on Russia sanctions to diplomatic outreach by Iran and fresh decisions in South Asia.
These included a US House vote to advance a bill that could allow President Donald Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on India and other countries buying oil and gas from Russia, Iran saying it wants to return to diplomacy with the US, and Pakistan extending its airspace ban for Indian aircraft till October 24. There were also developments in Nepal, Sri Lanka and China.
In Washington, the US House of Representatives voted to advance a bill that would authorise Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on India and other countries for buying oil and gas from Russia. The bill would also extend existing sanctions on Iran, and is now set for a final vote.
In Beijing, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was not interested in continuing the conflict with the US and was looking forward to returning to a diplomatic solution. He made the remarks during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, whom he briefed on the latest developments in West Asia.
In Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what Saudi Arabia described as an attempted Houthi drone attack targeting the holy city of Mecca. The allegation has been rejected by the Iran-backed group. Sharif also called for restraint.
In Kathmandu, India’s outgoing Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava met Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and conveyed appreciation for his continued support for strengthening multifaceted bilateral ties.
In Sri Lanka, construction began on an India-assisted project to upgrade a government hospital in Mannar. The work commenced in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.
In Beijing, China opened the USD 10.75 billion Pinglu Canal. The project creates a new maritime gateway for the country’s southwestern hinterland and provides a shorter route aimed at deepening trade with Southeast Asia, particularly the ASEAN region.
In Colombo, Sri Lanka’s opposition leader Namal Rajapaksa, the elder son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, was ordered to remain in remand custody until September 23 in connection with a money laundering case.
In another move affecting India, Pakistan extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft by another month till October 24, according to the country’s airports authority.
Overall, the day saw movement on a US sanctions bill with possible implications for India, fresh diplomatic messaging from Iran, security-related developments involving Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and political, infrastructure and legal developments in Nepal, Sri Lanka and China.
