Union Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar on Wednesday met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York.
"Great to meet with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar in New York today," Rubio posted on X after the meeting. "Together, we are building on the U.S.-India strategic partnership and coordinating on key regional priorities and upcoming multilateral efforts."
Jaishankar said he discussed key bilateral issues with his US counterpart, reiterating India's concerns over the newly signed 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026'. It authorises the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on top five importers of crude oil and gas from Moscow. India is the second highest importer of Russian crude after China.
Jaishankar also discussed situations in the Middle East and Ukraine during his talks with Rubio.
"Good to meet @SecRubio of the US #UNHighLevelWeek. Reiterated India's interests and concerns with regard to SRIA (Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act). Also discussed the Gulf and Ukraine situations," Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.
The MEA said it will take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests and ensure energy security for the nation.
The meeting assumes significance as both sides are pushing to finalise the interim India-US trade deal. In July, the two leaders met in Manila to discuss key sectors, including trade, tariffs, energy, defence, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence.
