Jaishankar meets Rubio in New York, discuss US-India strategic partnership and SRIA
Synopsis
On the sidelines of UNGA, EAM Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Rubio met in New York — and India used the moment to formally flag its concerns over the SRIA, a US bill proposing 100 per cent tariffs on buyers of Russian oil. With an unresolved trade deal and the Ukraine war in the backdrop, the meeting captures the full complexity of a partnership that is deepening on security even as economic friction persists.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on 23 September 2026 on the sidelines of UNGA .
Jaishankar reiterated India's concerns over SRIA — the Lindsey O.
Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 , which proposes 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian oil.
The two sides also discussed the Ukraine and Gulf situations and reaffirmed the US-India strategic partnership .
Both nations are Quad members; in May 2026 , the Quad Foreign Ministers met in New Delhi to reaffirm Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Jaishankar is set to address the UN General Assembly on Saturday at 3 pm local time (12:30 am IST) .
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on Wednesday, 23 September, to discuss deepening the US-India strategic partnership and coordinate on key regional priorities, including the situations in Ukraine and the Gulf. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level week, where top diplomats and world leaders have converged.
What Was Discussed
Rubio, posting on social media platform X after the meeting, said the two sides were 'building on the US-India strategic partnership and coordinating on key regional priorities and upcoming multilateral efforts.' Jaishankar, in his own post on X, noted that he 'reiterated India's interests and concerns with regard to SRIA' — a reference to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. He also confirmed that they 'discussed the Gulf and Ukraine situations.'
The SRIA Shadow Over US-India Ties
The Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (SRIA) proposes 100 per cent tariffs on buyers of Russian oil — a measure that directly implicates India, which has significantly ramped up purchases of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine war began. Though the legislation has not yet been enforced, it has cast a shadow over bilateral relations. An inconclusive trade deal between Washington and New Delhi adds a further layer of friction, even as cooperation in other domains continues.
Quad and Indo-Pacific Cooperation
Both nations are members of the Quad — alongside Japan and Australia — and have been collaborating on security architecture in the Indo-Pacific. At the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi in May, the four countries reaffirmed cooperation on maritime security, port infrastructure, and energy. Analysts widely view this framework as a counterweight to China's expanding regional influence.
India's Ukraine Position
The Ukraine war loomed large over the discussions. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin in strong terms to end the conflict — a rare direct statement that underscored India's desire to position itself as a voice for peace while maintaining its longstanding ties with Moscow. Jaishankar's presence at UNGA and his emphasis on SRIA concerns signal that New Delhi is actively managing the diplomatic tightrope.
What Comes Next
Jaishankar is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Saturday during the afternoon session starting at 3 pm local time (12:30 am IST on Sunday). His address will be closely watched for any signals on India's stance on the Ukraine war, trade negotiations with the US, and the broader Indo-Pacific security agenda. The high-level week has already seen him hold a series of back-to-back meetings with world leaders and senior diplomats.
Point of View
Jaishankar's UNGA week is as much about managing home-front expectations as it is about global diplomacy.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jaishankar and Rubio discuss in New York?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in New York on 23 September 2026 to advance the US-India strategic partnership, discussing the Ukraine and Gulf situations and coordinating on upcoming multilateral efforts. Jaishankar also raised India's concerns over the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (SRIA).
What is the SRIA and why does it concern India?
The Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (SRIA) is a proposed US legislation that would impose 100 per cent tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil. India, which has substantially increased Russian crude imports since the Ukraine war began, would be directly affected, making it a central point of tension in the bilateral relationship.
When will Jaishankar address the UN General Assembly?
Jaishankar is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Saturday in the afternoon session beginning at 3 pm local New York time, which is 12:30 am IST on Sunday.
What is the current state of US-India relations?
US-India relations are advancing on strategic and security fronts — particularly through the Quad framework covering Indo-Pacific maritime security — but face friction over an unresolved bilateral trade deal and the proposed SRIA legislation targeting buyers of Russian oil. Cooperation has continued in areas such as port infrastructure and energy despite these tensions.
What has India said about the Ukraine war?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin in strong terms to end the Ukraine war — a notable direct statement from New Delhi. India has maintained ties with Russia while expressing support for diplomacy, a position Jaishankar is expected to elaborate on during his UNGA address.
