As PM Modi pushes India-Iran trade at SCO, Rubio warns of sanctions for helping Tehran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied trade deal talks between India and Iran. He warned countries aiding Tehran to evade sanctions could face penalties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral ties. They reiterated commitment to strengthening friendship and expanding trade relations. Both leaders also discussed regional peace and stability efforts.

"Don’t think there’s a trade deal between India, Iran": US State Secy Rubio on PM Modi-Iran President meetAN. Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that he does not believe there are talks currently going on for a trade deal between India and Iran, while warning that countries helping Tehran amid the West Asia conflict to evade US sanctions could face sanctions themselves.

Rubio's remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where the two leaders discussed bilateral ties, trade and the prevailing situation in West Asia.

Speaking to Brian Kilmeade on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Tuesday when asked about the meeting and whether India and Iran were setting up some form of trade deal, Rubio said, "Well, I don't think there's a trade deal between India and Iran."

The State Secretary further stated that countries develop their own foreign policies and noted that several countries maintain contact with the Iranian regime.

"Obviously, there are - countries all develop their own foreign policy, and many countries around the world talk to the Iranian regime," Rubio said. He, however, stressed the US position that countries should not assist Iran in circumventing sanctions.

I think what ultimately happens, though, is - and the President's been very clear - is no country should be helping Iran evade sanctions," Rubio said.

The discussions also focused on the protection of commercial shipping and the safety of seafarers and civilians amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

PM Modi also reiterated India's readiness to cooperate closely with Iran in multilateral organisations, including BRICS and the SCO, and conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to India for the BRICS Summit scheduled in New Delhi from September 12 to September 13.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior Iranian delegates were also present during the bilateral meeting.