‘We’ll Cross That Bridge’: Jaishankar Flags India’s Concerns Over US' Russia Sanctions Bill

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 07:05 IST

Jaishankar said that while developments in the US Congress are always of interest, India would evaluate the bill’s impact if and when it becomes actionable.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. (PTI file photo)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has addressed concerns surrounding a new Russia sanctions bill introduced in the US Congress, stating that India is aware of its potential implications and is actively engaging with American lawmakers. Responding to a question on the proposed legislation by Senator Lindsey Graham — which seeks to intensify sanctions against Russia and could affect countries maintaining ties with Moscow — Jaishankar said, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it," indicating a wait-and-watch approach while underscoring that India’s strategic interests have already been communicated.

“We’ve been in touch with Senator Lindsey Graham. The embassy, the ambassador — they have been in contact. Our concerns and interests, particularly on energy and security, have been made known to him," Jaishankar said during a press interaction, adding that while developments in the US Congress are always of interest, India would evaluate the bill’s impact if and when it becomes actionable.

South China Sea a Shared Concern for Quad

In the same briefing, Jaishankar also flagged the South China Sea as an issue of “great concern" for all Quad members — India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. Emphasising the importance of the maritime region, he noted, “The Quad members all have a shared interest because for us it’s a very important international waterway."

“There was some discussion on the South China Sea. The issue is to find a peaceful resolution to the disputes. Ensuring that it remains calm and free of conflict is a common priority," he said, reflecting the bloc’s continued focus on maintaining regional stability in the face of growing Chinese assertiveness.

Abhro Banerjee

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...Read More

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...

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News world ‘We’ll Cross That Bridge’: Jaishankar Flags India’s Concerns Over US' Russia Sanctions Bill