US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India's S. Jaishankar discussed possible sanctions against countries engaging economically with Russia and Iran. Jaishankar reiterated India's concerns over the law Trump signed, which requires tariffs of up to 100% on covered countries.
Congress passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which Trump signed last week. It requires him to impose tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on all goods imported into the US from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, as well as countries that knowingly make new oil or gas purchases 30 days after enactment or are among the top five countries helping Russia evade sanctions.
India is a major buyer of Russian oil and says its large population and growing economy need affordable energy. Trump imposed duties of up to 50% on Indian goods in August 2025, partly because of India's purchases, then rolled them back in February 2026, citing what he said was India's commitment to halt Russian oil purchases. India briefly reduced purchases early in 2026, but they have since risen, especially after the supply shock following the US-Israeli war on Iran. Indian analysts say the oil trade helps stabilize global supplies and domestic prices rather than finance the war in Ukraine.
