Jaishankar, Rubio Discuss India-US Strategic Partnership

Jaishankar and Rubio meet in New York to discuss the India-US strategic partnership, regional priorities and multilateral cooperation, with talks also covering India’s concerns over SRIA, the Gulf and Ukraine.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, discussing the India-US strategic partnership and a range of regional and international issues.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral engagement and coordinating on regional priorities and upcoming multilateral initiatives. Rubio said the two countries were building on their strategic partnership and working together on issues of common interest. The US State Department said both sides reaffirmed the role of the partnership in promoting a safe, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

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Jaishankar said after the meeting that he had reiterated India’s interests and concerns regarding the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA) of 2026. The legislation, signed into law by US President Donald Trump, gives the US administration authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that engage in certain transactions involving Russian oil and gas. India has been among the major buyers of Russian crude.

The two ministers also discussed developments in the Gulf and Ukraine. The US State Department said Rubio and Jaishankar exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and beyond, including sanctions that could be imposed on countries conducting economic activities with Russia and Iran. Rubio also highlighted the United States’ ability to support regional partners in addressing energy security challenges.

The talks took place amid continued engagement between New Delhi and Washington across strategic, economic and security areas. Both countries are members of the Quad, alongside Australia and Japan, and cooperate on issues including Indo-Pacific security, maritime connectivity and resilient supply chains.

The meeting also comes as India and the US continue discussions on their broader trade relationship. Differences over energy purchases from Russia and related US sanctions measures remain among the issues being addressed through bilateral engagement.

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Jaishankar is leading India’s delegation at the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in New York and is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 26. His meetings during the session include discussions with foreign ministers and senior officials from several countries on bilateral, regional and multilateral matters.

The Jaishankar-Rubio meeting therefore combined discussions on the broader strategic partnership with specific concerns involving sanctions, energy security and ongoing conflicts in the Gulf and Ukraine.