Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek has drawn a response from the United States, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying he does not believe India and Iran are currently negotiating a trade deal.
Speaking on The Brian Kilmeade Show, Rubio was asked about Modi’s meeting with Pezeshkian and whether New Delhi and Tehran were working towards a trade arrangement.
“Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran,” Rubio said, while acknowledging that countries formulate their own foreign policies and that many nations maintain contact with the Iranian government.
Rubio warns against helping Iran bypass sanctions
While Rubio said he did not believe India and Iran were making a trade deal, he reiterated Washington’s broader position on Iran-related sanctions.
He said countries should not help Iran evade US sanctions or establish mechanisms that allow Tehran to generate revenue.
Rubio warned that countries facilitating such mechanisms could themselves face US sanctions.
“No country should be out there helping them create mechanisms by which they can generate revenue,” Rubio said, adding that the US could take action against countries that assist Iran in bypassing sanctions.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran and the wider security situation in West Asia.
What Modi and Pezeshkian discussed
During his meeting with Pezeshkian, Modi said India remained committed to strengthening its longstanding relationship with Iran and expanding bilateral trade.
“Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India’s long-standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors. We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come,” Modi said in a post on X.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the meeting as fruitful, saying the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties as well as recent developments in West Asia.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Modi reiterated India’s consistent position that regional issues should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
West Asia situation, shipping also discussed
The discussions between Modi and Pezeshkian also covered the wider regional situation, including efforts to promote peace and stability.
Jaiswal said Modi underlined the need for continued efforts to ensure peace and stability while safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.
The two leaders also discussed the safety of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilians amid the ongoing conflict in the Gulf.
Modi also expressed India’s readiness to work closely with Iran through multilateral platforms, including BRICS and the SCO.
Pezeshkian expected in India for BRICS Summit
During the meeting, Modi said he looked forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to India for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior Iranian officials were also present during the meeting.
The developments underline the balancing act facing India as it seeks to maintain its longstanding ties with Iran while navigating its relations with the United States and Washington’s sanctions policy toward Tehran.
