New York: India has raised concerns with the United States over a new law that expands sanctions on Russia and gives President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries covered by provisions relating to Russian oil and gas purchases.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Jaishankar said after the meeting that he had reiterated India's interests and concerns regarding the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, known as SRIA. He also said the two officials discussed developments in the Gulf and Ukraine.
The US State Department said Rubio and Jaishankar discussed possible sanctions against countries that engage economically with Russia and Iran. The department also said the two officials reaffirmed the importance of the US India strategic partnership and discussed developments in the Middle East and energy security.
The meeting came less than a week after Trump signed the legislation into law on September 18. The White House said the law expands sanctions, tariffs and other restrictions relating to Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran.
The legislation was passed by large majorities in the US Congress. The Senate approved it by 86 votes to 11, while the House of Representatives passed it by 262 votes to 159.
The law is intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. It includes measures targeting Russian officials, financial institutions and the so called shadow fleet of tankers used to transport Russian energy.
The law also gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from countries covered by specific provisions relating to Russian oil and gas purchases and sanctions evasion.
India is one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil and increased its purchases after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Indian refiners have continued to rely on Russian supplies while the government has stressed the importance of securing affordable and reliable energy for the country.
However, India's purchases of Russian crude have declined in recent months. Data reported this week showed that Indian imports of Russian oil fell by 16.5 percent in August to about 2.1 million barrels per day. Preliminary data indicate that imports could fall further to about 1.9 million barrels per day in September.
Russia nevertheless remains India's largest source of imported crude oil. At the same time, Indian refiners have been looking at supplies from other countries as they assess the possible impact of further US action over Russian energy purchases.
India has previously said that ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people remains a priority and that it will continue to diversify its energy sources.
The new US law does not mean that India has already been given a 100 percent tariff. The legislation gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent under specified conditions. No new specific 100 percent tariff on India was announced following the Rubio Jaishankar meeting.
No public agreement on India's purchases of Russian oil was announced after the meeting.
The issue comes as the United States and India continue discussions on their broader trade relationship. India's purchases of Russian oil have remained an important issue in their discussions.
For India, a sharp reduction in Russian oil purchases could affect its energy costs and supply options. For Washington, pressure on major buyers of Russian energy is part of a wider effort to reduce Moscow's revenues and increase economic pressure over the war in Ukraine.
The latest meeting leaves several questions unresolved, including whether the United States will impose tariffs on India under the new law, what rate could eventually apply and how India's energy purchases from Russia may change in the coming months.
For now, both sides have continued their diplomatic engagement, with India formally presenting its concerns while the United States has stressed the wider strategic partnership and cooperation on regional and energy security issues.