From Foreign Policy · Michael Kugelman · · 4m
India's Jaishankar pushes back on U.S. Russian oil tariffs
India's top diplomat heads to the UN General Assembly to defend his country's energy interests against new American sanctions.
In brief
India's top diplomat heads to the UN General Assembly to defend his country's energy interests against new American sanctions. India is caught between its energy needs and U.S. pressure, seeking assurances that new tariffs won't cripple its economy. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
India's top diplomat at the UN
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar leads India's delegation to the UN General Assembly for the second consecutive year instead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India's economy is booming
India, one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, has recently signed trade deals with the European Union and United Kingdom and hosted a BRICS summit.
New U.S. tariffs threaten India
President Trump's administration authorized up to 100 percent tariffs on countries, including India, that purchase Russian oil. Jaishankar raised India's concerns with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
India already reduced Russian oil
India actually decreased its Russian oil purchases last year, yet still faces tariff threats. The country has developed workarounds including new trade deals to cushion previous tariff impacts.
Political risk at home
If India appears to surrender to U.S. pressure again, it could face public and political backlash domestically. New Delhi wants to avoid higher tariffs from one of its largest export destinations.
Leading the global south
One of Modi's top foreign-policy priorities is positioning India as a leader of the global south, though it lags behind China in Africa and Latin America.
Addressing global south priorities
Many high-level UN events this week focus on challenges affecting the global south, including sea level rise and pandemic risks. Jaishankar will participate to showcase India's leadership on these issues.
Pushing for UN reform
India seeks expansion of the UN Security Council's permanent membership to represent more countries. India is a logical candidate for a permanent seat, which it has long pursued.
Khan's sisters arrested in Pakistan
Three sisters of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan were arrested in Lahore for 30 days, accused of threatening public order. The arrests came ahead of a nationwide PTI protest planned for September 27.
Khan's health deteriorating
The Pakistani government refused to follow a Supreme Court ruling to transfer Khan to a private hospital for treatment. Khan reportedly suffers from vision problems, anxiety, and blood pressure issues.
Mosque bombing kills 31 in Pakistan
A bomb exploded at a mosque in Kohat, killing 31 people, mostly police officers. A roadside bomb also hit a security convoy in nearby Hangu, killing six soldiers.
Pakistan strikes Afghanistan
Pakistan carried out cross-border strikes in eastern Afghanistan, claiming to kill 28 militants. Taliban authorities said at least three civilians were killed, a claim corroborated by the UN.
Mediation efforts continue
Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and China have spent nearly a year trying unsuccessfully to ease Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions. Turkey's intelligence chief reportedly met with officials in Kabul and Islamabad last Thursday.
India-Pakistan naval collision
India and Pakistan traded blame over a ship collision in the Arabian Sea. Pakistan claimed it happened in its exclusive economic zone during a naval exercise; India said it occurred in international waters.
Bangladesh-India trains resume
Bangladesh and India announced they will resume direct passenger train service next month after it was suspended following mass protests that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina two years ago.
Anti-India sentiment remains strong
Though Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government wants to improve ties with India, anti-India sentiment remains strong domestically. The train decision suggests Dhaka is ready to carefully reengage.
The essence
India is caught between its energy needs and U.S. pressure, seeking assurances that new tariffs won't cripple its economy.
