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India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised New Delhi’s concerns over the United States’ new sanctions legislation during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, while Chinese President Xi Jinping began his US state visit with a rare planeside welcome from President Donald Trump. The two developments were among the major international stories dominating Thursday’s morning news cycle.
Jaishankar raises India’s concerns over US sanctions law
Jaishankar met Rubio on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York on Wednesday. The meeting came shortly after US President Donald Trump signed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA) of 2026 into law.
After the meeting, Jaishankar said he had reiterated India’s “interests and concerns” regarding the legislation. The two ministers also discussed the situation in the Gulf and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Rubio said the US and India were working to strengthen their strategic partnership and coordinate on important regional and multilateral issues.
The new US legislation gives the American president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting major buyers including India and China.
For New Delhi, the issue has implications for energy security and economic interests because Russia remains an important source of crude oil imports for India. Indian officials have previously maintained that the country’s energy purchases are guided by national requirements and market considerations.
The meeting with Rubio therefore comes at a significant moment in India-US relations, with both sides also engaged in discussions on broader strategic and regional issues.
India-US ties remain on the diplomatic agenda
Jaishankar and Rubio have remained in contact on several issues involving bilateral relations and global developments. Their latest meeting took place during a period of heightened diplomatic activity at the United Nations, where major powers are discussing conflicts, trade, energy security and geopolitical tensions.
Rubio’s statement following the meeting focused on the broader strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi. The US Secretary of State said both countries were coordinating on regional priorities and upcoming multilateral engagements.
The sanctions legislation, however, remains an important point of discussion because of its potential impact on countries purchasing Russian energy.
Trump gives Xi a rare planeside welcome
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a state visit at the invitation of President Donald Trump. Trump personally welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews, marking a rare planeside reception for a visiting foreign leader.
The welcome included an official ceremony, an honour guard, a 21-gun salute, national anthems and a military flyover. American children also presented flowers to Xi and Peng.
Xi’s visit is expected to focus heavily on the US-China economic relationship, including trade, tariffs, rare-earth minerals and technology. Artificial intelligence, Taiwan and other international issues are also expected to feature in the leaders’ discussions.
Trade truce and rare earths among key issues
The Trump-Xi meeting comes as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions following years of disputes over tariffs, technology restrictions and supply chains.
A key issue is the continuation of the existing US-China trade truce. Both countries have economic interests in maintaining stability, while disagreements remain over technology, market access and strategic commodities.
Rare-earth minerals are particularly important because China has a major position in global supply chains. The issue has become increasingly significant for industries ranging from electronics and automobiles to defence and advanced technology.
Artificial intelligence is another area where Washington and Beijing face both competition and the need for dialogue. The two countries have different approaches to technology controls and AI development, making the subject an important part of their broader strategic relationship.
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Why these developments matter for India
The simultaneous diplomatic developments involving India, the US and China have wider implications for the global economy. New Delhi is closely watching US-China discussions on trade, technology and critical minerals, while separately engaging Washington over the potential consequences of its Russia-related sanctions policy.
For India, the sanctions issue is directly connected to energy security, while developments in US-China relations can influence global supply chains, commodity markets and investment decisions.
The meetings also underline the complex nature of current international diplomacy, where countries continue cooperation in some areas while managing disagreements in others.
As Jaishankar continues his UNGA engagements and Xi’s Washington visit progresses, attention will remain focused on how these discussions affect trade, energy security, regional conflicts and the broader balance of global relations.
