'We'll Cross That Bridge...': Jaishankar Amid Concerns Over Washington's Russia Sanctions Bill
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.
Following the meeting, the four countries issued a joint statement reiterating their strong opposition to any unilateral actions that attempt to alter the status quo by force or coercion.
“We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We express our serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous manoeuvres by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea," the statement read.
