Don’t Think There’s a Trade Deal Between India, Iran: Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian Meet

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. 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, Rubio was asked about the meeting and whether India and Iran were setting up some form of trade deal. He said, “Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran.”

The US Secretary of State said countries develop their own foreign policies and noted that several nations maintain contact with the Iranian regime.

However, Rubio stressed that countries should not assist Iran in circumventing US sanctions. He said countries helping Tehran create mechanisms to generate revenue could face sanctions themselves.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with Pezeshkian, reiterated India's commitment to strengthening its long-standing friendship with Iran and said New Delhi wanted to expand and diversify 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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister said the two leaders also discussed the prevailing situation in the region and reiterated India's support for efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace.

The Ministry of External Affairs described the meeting as “fruitful”, saying the leaders reviewed bilateral ties and recent developments in West Asia.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said PM Modi reiterated India's consistent position that regional issues should be resolved through “dialogue and diplomacy” and underlined the need for continued efforts to ensure peace and stability.

The discussions also focused on protecting commercial shipping and ensuring 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 said he looked forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to India for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13.

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