External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead India’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York and is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 26. His visit comes as India and the United States continue discussions over trade and the implications of new US measures targeting countries that purchase Russian energy.
US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on September 18. The legislation gives the US president expanded authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. Reuters reported that India has warned the measures could affect bilateral ties while maintaining that energy security remains a priority.
The issue is likely to feature in discussions around Jaishankar’s UNGA visit as New Delhi continues engagement with Washington on trade and other bilateral matters. The new US law has also raised concerns among Indian refiners and businesses about potential effects on energy costs and exports.
Jaishankar is expected to hold several bilateral and plurilateral meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly. The high-level UNGA debate is scheduled from September 22 to 26, with an additional sitting on September 28.
The gathering will take place amid wider geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in West Asia and disruptions affecting energy and shipping routes. These issues are expected to remain part of discussions among participating countries as leaders and ministers meet in New York.
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