Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud PezeshkianUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned India and other countries against helping Iran generate revenue or evade American sanctions. He made the remarks during an interview with Brian Kilmeade on The Brian Kilmeade Show, after being asked about PM’s meeting with Pezeshkian and whether New Delhi was seeking to establish a new trade arrangement with Tehran.
“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.
This comes as the Trump administration has sharply escalated its economic campaign against Iran, warning countries and companies that continue doing business with Tehran that they could face secondary sanctions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on August 24 launched what he called “Operation Economic Outcast”, describing the effort as an “economic D-Day” to choke off Iran’s remaining economic lifelines.
RUBIO’S MESSAGE TO INDIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES
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.
“I think what ultimately happens though is – and the President’s been very clear – is no country should be helping Iran evade sanctions. No country should be out there helping them create mechanisms by which they can generate revenue that they will then use to sponsor terrorism and try to build a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said.
“And if countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too,” he said.
MODI-PEZESHKIAN MEETING IN BISHKEK
Rubio’s remarks followed PM Modi’s meeting with Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek. 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.
“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. We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in the region. India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace,” PM Modi said in a social media post.
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.
The security of commercial vessels also featured prominently in the discussions as the conflict in West Asia continues to affect maritime traffic. The MEA said PM stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation and commerce and called for civilians, civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping to remain outside the scope of attacks.
“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.
PEZESHKIAN CALLS FOR INDIA’S DIPLOMATIC ROLE
Pezeshkian, meanwhile, thanked India for its support and cooperation and urged New Delhi to use its diplomatic relationships to help ease tensions in West Asia, according to an Iranian readout of the meeting.
“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. Pezeshkian maintained that Iran did not seek war and said Tehran’s priority was protecting its people while creating conditions for peace and stability.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has remained committed to the obligations it has undertaken within the framework of the agreements, but unfortunately, the American side has failed to fulfill its commitments,” he said.
IRAN PUSHES BACK AGAINST SANCTIONS
Tehran has rejected Washington’s latest sanctions campaign, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry accusing the US of undermining international law. “No honourable state that values its sovereignty and national interests will accept the normalisation of such gross lawlessness and systematic bullying,” it said. Iranian officials have also insisted that the country can withstand the economic pressure, while maintaining that US sanctions will not force its trading partners to sever their relationships with Tehran.
Against that backdrop, PM Modi’s meeting with Pezeshkian places India in a delicate position. New Delhi has longstanding economic, strategic and historical ties with Iran, while also maintaining a major relationship with Washington.
– Ends
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