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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation to the UN General Assembly in New York this week. The visit comes as New Delhi raises concerns over a new US law targeting buyers of Russian energy.
India has expressed concern over the potential implications of the new law for its bilateral relations with the United States. (Photo: X/@DrSJaishankar)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 21, 2026 19:56 IST
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week. The visit takes place amid concerns over a new US law that gives Washington greater authority to impose penalties on countries that buy Russian energy.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar is scheduled to address the UNGA General Debate on September 26. He is also expected to participate in several bilateral and plurilateral meetings during his visit.
RUSSIA SANCTIONS IN FOCUS
The visit comes after US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on Friday, September 18, giving the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
India has expressed concern over the potential implications of the new law for its bilateral relations with the United States, while reiterating its commitment to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
The MEA has said the issue has been discussed at high levels with US interlocutors in recent months. New Delhi has also conveyed concerns about the possible adverse impact of punitive measures on bilateral ties. The development comes as India and the US continue negotiations to finalise a bilateral trade agreement.
TRUMP TO ADDRESS UNGA
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 22, marking his second address to the world body during his second term in the White House.
Jaishankar's engagements on the sidelines could provide an opportunity for discussions with US officials on bilateral relations and other international developments.
The annual high-level General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 26, with a further sitting on September 28, under the theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
The 81st session of the 193-member UN General Assembly is being presided over by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who was elected to the post in June.
GLOBAL CONFLICTS DOMINATE AGENDA
The session comes amid continuing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including the ongoing US-Iran conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that have raised concerns over global energy supplies.
The developments around the strategic waterway have also added pressure to global food and fuel markets, with energy security expected to remain a key concern for countries attending the UNGA.
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Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Sep 21, 2026 19:56 IST
