Jaishankar, Marco Rubio Discuss Russia-Iran Sanctions During UNGA Meeting

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed possible sanctions on countries trading with Russia and Iran during their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The talks covered energy security, the Gulf and Ukraine, while both sides reaffirmed the importance of the US-India Strategic Partnership.

The US State Department said the two officials discussed sanctions that could target states engaging economically with Russia and Iran. It did not identify specific countries or announce any new sanctions decision.

Rubio said the US remained well placed to help regional partners address their energy security needs.

Jaishankar later said India had reiterated its interests and concerns regarding the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, or SRIA. He added that the two sides discussed the Gulf and Ukraine situations.

The meeting came days after US President Donald Trump signed SRIA into law.

The legislation gives the US President authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, with India among the countries currently affected by the provision.

India has maintained that its energy purchases are guided by national interests and energy security.

The External Affairs Ministry has said New Delhi will continue diversified sourcing while taking measures to protect its economic and trade interests.

Rubio and Jaishankar reaffirmed the role of the US-India Strategic Partnership in supporting a safe, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Their discussions formed part of wider diplomatic engagements during the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week.

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