Jaishankar Discusses US Tariff Concerns with Secretary Rubio

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2026. During their discussion, Jaishankar highlighted India's concerns regarding a new US law that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil, including India.

The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, was recently passed by the US Congress. This law enables tariffs against countries that rank among the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas, should they continue purchasing these commodities after the law's enactment. President Donald Trump signed the bill into law, further intensifying the implications for countries involved.

Jaishankar commented on India's interests relating to the legislative changes, emphasising the potential repercussions for both bilateral relations and global energy markets. He stated that India will continue to prioritise its energy needs through diverse sourcing and adapting to the changing market landscape. The Indian External Affairs Ministry previously expressed its reservation about the legislation, citing the impact on energy security.

In response to the law's introduction, Trump reiterated his commitment to leveraging the new tariff authorities to address what he terms the 'disastrous war' in Ukraine. He remarked during the UN assembly that these tariffs would be instrumental in curbing the ongoing conflict, stating, 'If necessary, I will have to use them. It’s time to stop the killing.'

Despite ongoing tensions, India has been diversifying its energy sources. After the earlier 50% tariff imposed by Trump, India started reducing its reliance on Russian oil. However, factors such as disruptions in oil supply from West Asia due to the conflict involving Iran have led to a marked increase in imports from Russia, with this oil constituting approximately 50% of India's crude imports as of July.

In light of potential further tariffs under the new act, Indian refiners are exploring alternative oil suppliers. As the situation evolves, the Indian government is expected to collaborate closely with trade and industry representatives to navigate the implications of these developments. Jaishankar's discussions with Rubio indicated a prioritisation of the US-India strategic partnership, with both sides acknowledging key regional priorities and forthcoming multilateral engagements.