India-US Defense and Sanctions Talks
India and US Hold High-Level Talks Balancing Defense Cooperation and New Russian Oil Sanctions
Anonymous
Indian officials held separate talks with a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast on strengthening bilateral ties. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh focused on defense industrial and technology cooperation, following joint U.S.-India military drills in Rajasthan that highlighted growing interoperability. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri discussed the broader relationship, including the newly enacted legislation authorizing potential tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas, as well as energy security, counterterrorism and freedom of navigation. The meetings reflect efforts by both countries to sustain cooperation while addressing differences over sanctions and other international issues.
Key Points
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The newly signed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 authorizes President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas, explicitly including India and China.
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New Delhi said it would take all necessary steps to protect India’s economic interests and ensure the country’s energy security in response to the legislation.
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had raised India’s “interests and concerns” about the legislation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on September 23.
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After watching the joint exercise at Rajasthan’s Mahajan Field Firing Range, U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor said it reflected “trust, readiness, interoperability, and shared purpose” in the defense partnership.
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