US, India Diplomatic Talks on Russia Sanctions Bill and Effects on Trade
Overview of Recent Diplomatic Discussions and Sanctions Legislation
By Kanishka Singh
Background of the Sanctions Bill
WASHINGTON, Sept 23 (Reuters) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar discussed on Wednesday US measures that could be leveled against countries that engage economically with Russia and Iran, with New Delhi reiterating concerns over a sanctions bill recently signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Details of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act
Last week, Trump signed the bill called "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," named after deceased South Carolina Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham.
The bill passed by the US Congress paved the way for increased economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine that began in early 2022.
Key Points from US-India Diplomatic Talks
Rubio and Jaishankar "discussed sanctions that could be leveled against states that engage economically with Russia and Iran," the State Department said in a statement after their meeting in New York.
Jaishankar wrote on X he "reiterated India's interests and concerns with regard to SRIA."
India’s Concerns Over Sanctions
India has previously told Washington that new measures to levy tariffs over the purchase of Russian oil could impact bilateral ties.
Tariff Requirements and Implications
The bill requires Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on all goods imported into the US from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas as well as any country that knowingly made new purchases of oil or gas 30 days after the law was enacted or was among the top five countries helping Russia evade sanctions.
Impact on India’s Trade and Energy Policy
India is among the biggest buyers of Russian oil. After Russia invaded Ukraine, India sharply increased purchases of discounted Russian crude. The stepped-up purchases were partly the reason Trump imposed tariffs of as much as 50% on Indian goods in August 2025, among the steepest levied on any country.
Recent Changes in Tariffs and Indian Oil Purchases
In February, Trump rolled back those duties, citing what he said was India's commitment to halt Russian oil purchases. But New Delhi only briefly reduced purchases from Russia in early 2026. They have since jumped, especially since the supply shock that followed the US-Israeli war on Iran.
India’s Position on Energy Security
India says its large population and growing economy need affordable energy supplies. Indian analysts say India's purchases of Russian oil were not financing the war on Ukraine but helping stabilize global supplies and keeping domestic prices in check.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh, Daphne Psaledakis and Ryan Patrick Jones; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Lincoln Feast.)
