US Seeks To 'Fix Sanctions Situation' With India, Says Marco Rubio On Russian Oil Tariffs

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington hopes to “fix” tensions with India over sanctions linked to Russian oil imports. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Marco Rubio drew a contrast between India’s purchases and Europe’s continued dependence on Russian energy.

“Right now there are countries in Europe that are buying massive amounts of oil and gas from Russia, which is absurd. They are asking the US to impose more sanctions on Russia but they are not doing enough. Europe needs to do more,” he said.

On India, Marco Rubio noted, “We are already taking measures against India. The President has the ability to do more and he is considering doing more.”

‘Point Of Irritation’

Marco Rubio acknowledged the friction between

Washington and New Delhi as he said, “India’s Russian oil buys are most certainly a point of irritation in U.S.–India ties. India has huge energy needs, I understand that but buying discounted Russian oil helps sustain Moscow’s war effort.”

He added, “We’re strategic partners, but we’re not going to align 100% on everything — especially energy. There are other vendors out there. I hope we can fix this.”

Donald Trump has slapped a 25% reciprocal duty on Indian goods, along with an additional 25% levy tied directly to India’s import of Russian crude. The White House has accused New Delhi of “fueling Russia’s deadly attacks on Ukraine”, though it has stopped short of imposing harsher curbs on Moscow itself.

India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, has defended its energy purchases as vital for domestic needs, stressing that it abides by international law and has not breached any sanctions framework.

The remarks come just a week after Donald Trump struck a conciliatory note with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising him in a birthday message and calling him a “friend.” In a Truth Social post, Donald Trump wrote, “Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job.”

The US President also thanked PM Modi for supporting his efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war, adding, “Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!”