Jaishankar-Rubio Talks in Malaysia: Navigating US-India Relations Amid Tariff Disputes and Energy Concerns

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, as both nations attempt to address strained relations following significant US tariffs on Indian goods.

Their discussion took place during the annual ASEAN Summit, where Jaishankar later shared on social media that he "appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues."

The diplomatic relationship between India and the United States has been under considerable pressure after the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, with an additional 25% levy specifically targeting India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

India has strongly criticized these measures, describing them as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."

During their meeting, Jaishankar and Rubio reportedly explored a potential trade agreement between the two countries. However, there was no indication that the US would remove the 25% tariff related to India's energy partnership with Russia.

Recent weeks have seen President Donald Trump claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised India would cease purchasing Russian oil, though India subsequently indicated no such conversation occurred.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs clarified on October 16 that India's energy sourcing strategy focuses on diversification, including increased procurement from the United States. The ministry emphasized that India's energy purchases are guided by consumer interests amid volatile market conditions, with priorities being stable pricing and supply security.

President Trump recently called Prime Minister Modi to extend Diwali greetings, suggesting ongoing diplomatic engagement despite tensions.

Secretary Rubio acknowledged on Saturday that India has expressed interest in diversifying its oil sources, stating, "I know they've already expressed a desire to diversify their oil portfolio, even before all of this came up. Obviously, the more we sell them, the less they'll buy from someone else."

The US recently imposed sanctions on Russian oil exporters Rosneft and Lukoil, a move likely intended to discourage Indian refiners from purchasing Russian crude oil.