New Delhi : Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned India and other countries against helping Iran generate revenue or evade American sanctions. “Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran,” Rubio said, while acknowledging that countries have the right to develop their own foreign policies and maintain relations with Tehran.
Rubio said Washington was aware that countries around the world maintain contact with Iran, pointing out that the US itself had engaged with Iranian representatives during previous discussions. “I mean, we’ve met with elements of the Iranian regime as well, in terms of some of these discussions that have occurred and there’s been contact with them,” he said. But he drew a clear line at economic activities that Washington believes could help Tehran circumvent sanctions.
The two leaders discussed India-Iran relations, including plans to expand and diversify bilateral trade, while also exchanging views on the conflict in West Asia and the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers. The Ministry of External Affairs said PM Modi also expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and reiterated India’s longstanding position that disputes should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
“Calling for safeguarding the freedom of navigation and commerce, he emphasised that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers must not be harmed under any circumstances,” the ministry said. The issue carries particular importance for India, which has significant commercial and maritime interests in the region and has repeatedly called for the safety of seafarers amid rising tensions.
“From the very beginning of our administration, our efforts have been focused on ensuring peace and security and resolving issues through dialogue and negotiations,” Pezeshkian said. He criticised Washington’s approach towards Tehran, arguing that the US had chosen confrontation instead of diplomacy. Unfortunately, instead of making use of diplomatic mechanisms, the Americans have chosen the path of war, insecurity and imposing their will through force,” he said.
Read Also : UP Flood Situation Turns Grim: 16,000 Evacuated, Three Dead As Waters Rise
-
-
-
-
