Top US, Indian diplomats meet amid tensions over Russian oil, tariffs

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, as tensions over Russian oil purchases and tariffs linger.

The two discussed bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues, Jaishankar said on US social media company X.

Rubio and Jaishankar met on the sidelines of 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

According to the External Affairs Ministry, Jaishankar is representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the ASEAN summit virtually, at the 20th East Asia Summit, also in the Malaysian capital.

The US and India resumed trade discussions last month, amid tensions over 50% tariffs imposed on Indian goods by the Trump administration, partly for purchasing Russian oil as the war in Ukraine continues.

India increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil since 2022, becoming one of Moscow’s top energy customers despite Western sanctions.

The US is India’s largest trade partner, with total goods and services trade reaching an estimated $212.3 billion in 2024.