New Delhi, September 29: India has stepped up diplomatic engagement with the United States amid concerns over a US law that authorises tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently met a bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions covered the full range of India-US relations, including the recently enacted Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (SRIA).
The two sides also discussed energy security, counter-terrorism, freedom of navigation and other international issues of mutual concern. The meeting came as New Delhi assesses the potential implications of the new US legislation for India's trade and energy interests.
The legislation gives US President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas. India has expressed concerns over the potential impact of such measures on its economic interests and energy security.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised India's interests and concerns regarding the legislation during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Meanwhile, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to visit the United States from September 29 to October 5 for discussions aimed at advancing negotiations on the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.
The latest diplomatic engagements come at a crucial stage for India-US trade relations, with both sides continuing discussions on tariffs, energy security and a potential bilateral trade agreement.
