Iran, India not talking trade: Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meet
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he does not believe India and Iran are pursuing a trade deal, despite recent meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Pezeshkian. Rubio reiterated the U.S. stance that countries should not help Iran evade sanctions or generate revenue for terrorism.
Why it matters
The statement clarifies U.S. foreign policy expectations regarding India's diplomatic engagements with Iran amidst ongoing international sanctions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday (September 2, 2026) said he did not think India and Iran were talking of a trade deal, and many countries around the world talk to the government in Tehran.
Mr. Rubio’s remarks came during an interview on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio in response to a question on the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.
“Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran. Obviously, there are – countries all develop their own foreign policy, and many countries around the world talk to the Iranian regime,” Mr. Rubio said in response to a remark by Kilmeade that Mr. Modi and Mr. Pezeshkian appeared to set up a trade deal.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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