India has conveyed its concerns to the United States over the proposed Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA), with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raising the issue directly during talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In a post on social media after the meeting, Jaishankar said he had reiterated “India’s interests and concerns” regarding the proposed legislation. He also noted that the two leaders discussed the evolving situations in the Gulf region and Ukraine, both of which remain key foreign policy priorities for New Delhi.
The meeting comes at a sensitive time for India–US relations. New Delhi has repeatedly argued that its energy and strategic decisions are guided by national interests and energy security requirements. Any sanctions framework targeting countries engaged with Russia or Iran has the potential to affect India, which maintains longstanding ties with both nations.
While neither side disclosed details of the discussion, the conversation signals India’s intent to ensure that its concerns are clearly understood in Washington as American lawmakers continue debating measures aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow and Tehran.
After the meeting, Rubio described the engagement as productive and highlighted the growing importance of the India–US partnership. In a statement on social media, the US Secretary of State said the two countries are coordinating on key regional priorities and upcoming multilateral initiatives.
The exchange reflects the broader trajectory of India–US ties, which have expanded significantly in recent years across defence, technology, trade, and strategic cooperation. At the same time, both countries continue to navigate areas where their interests do not fully align, particularly regarding sanctions and energy relationships.
Analysts say Jaishankar’s intervention underscores India’s determination to preserve its strategic autonomy while maintaining strong relations with Washington. With geopolitical tensions continuing in both the Gulf and Eastern Europe, the ability of India and the United States to manage differences while deepening cooperation will remain an important test of the partnership in the months ahead.