Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek has drawn attention in Washington, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying he does not believe India and Iran are currently working on a trade deal.
Speaking on The Brian Kilmeade Show, Rubio was asked about Modi’s meeting with Pezeshkian and whether the two countries were pursuing a trade arrangement. Rubio said he did not think there was a trade deal between India and Iran, while acknowledging that countries make their own foreign-policy decisions and that several nations maintain communication with the Iranian government.
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Rubio warns countries against helping Iran bypass sanctions
Rubio also reiterated Washington’s warning to countries against helping Tehran circumvent US sanctions. He said nations should not establish mechanisms that could allow Iran to generate revenue that could subsequently be used for activities opposed by the United States.
According to Rubio, countries that facilitate such mechanisms could themselves face US sanctions. His comments came as India continues to engage Iran diplomatically and pursue its own strategic and economic interests in the region.
Modi stresses long-standing ties with Iran
Following his meeting with Pezeshkian, Modi said India remained committed to strengthening its long-standing friendship with Iran across different sectors. He also highlighted India’s intention to expand and diversify bilateral trade in the coming period.
The Prime Minister said the two leaders discussed regional developments and India’s support for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace. The Ministry of External Affairs described the talks as fruitful and said the leaders reviewed bilateral relations as well as recent developments in West Asia.
West Asia conflict and shipping safety discussed
Regional security was another major focus of the talks. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India reiterated its position that regional issues should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
The discussions also covered peace and stability in the region, along with the need to protect freedom of navigation and commerce. The safety of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilians was discussed amid the ongoing war in the Gulf.
Modi also expressed India’s readiness to work with Iran through multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the SCO. He said he looked forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to India for the BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
The contrasting statements underline the diplomatic balancing act surrounding India’s engagement with Iran. While New Delhi has emphasised strengthening bilateral relations, trade and regional dialogue, Washington has maintained its concerns over sanctions and Iran’s ability to generate revenue through international economic channels.
