US downplays India's warning over Russia sanctions bill

The United States downplayed tensions with India over a new law targeting buyers of Russian energy, with a senior State Department official saying there are "no sort of hard feelings" regarding New Delhi's critical response. The legislation allows President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas. India's Ministry of External Affairs warned the law could impact bilateral ties and global energy markets, noting the issue was raised at high levels with US officials. The official stressed the tariffs are not automatic, as the law provides Trump with a "broad national security waiver" and another diplomatic tool. The matter was discussed between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the UN General Assembly. Rubio is scheduled to visit India in October, as both nations manage differences over Russian energy while cooperating on strategic issues like the Quad.