Jaishankar-Rubio Hold First Talks Since Trump's 50% Tariff Blow to India

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday in New York, as world leaders gathered for the opening of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.The meeting at the Lotte New York Palace marked their first in-person talks since President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports in response to New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The move doubled the overall tariff burden on India to 50%.Jaishankar and Rubio last met in July in Washington during the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting. Their latest discussion came on the same day Indian and U.S. officials began talks aimed at finalizing a long-pending trade agreement.Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

is leading the Indian delegation in New York. The Commerce Ministry said earlier that both sides are working toward an “early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.” U.S. trade officials visited New Delhi last week for discussions, which both sides described as constructive.Jaishankar arrived in New York on Sunday for a week of high-level meetings and multilateral engagements. He is scheduled to deliver India’s national statement at the General Debate on Sept. 27 from the UNGA podium.