US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that the Trump administration may be open to resolving the additional 25% tariffs imposed on India over its imports of Russian oil.

Speaking to NBC News, Rubio noted that Washington hopes to “fix” the tariff issue even as the US maintains pressure on Moscow. “We have already seen the measures we have taken with regards to India, although that’s something we hope we can fix,” he said.

Rubio criticized European nations for continuing to buy Russian energy, calling their stance “absurd.” He stressed that Europe must impose stronger sanctions rather than relying on Washington to act alone.

The comments followed Rubio’s meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. He described India as a country of “critical value” and welcomed the deepening trade engagement. Jaishankar later wrote on X that their conversation covered key bilateral and international concerns, underscoring the need for sustained engagement.

Separately, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to advance negotiations on the first tranche of a trade agreement. Sources said discussions focused on ironing out sticking points, with hopes of reaching an interim understanding soon.

Rubio also left open the possibility of additional sanctions on Russia, saying President Trump “has the ability to do more” if needed.

The discussions highlight India’s balancing act as it deepens strategic ties with Washington while maintaining energy cooperation with Moscow.