US warns India over Iran trade after Modi-Pezeshkian meeting

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned India against helping Iran rebuild revenue streams blocked by US sanctions, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Rubio said no trade deal exists but cautioned that countries aiding Tehran could face US sanctions. Modi and Pezeshkian discussed trade, West Asia conflicts, and maritime security at the SCO summit in Bishkek. India called the meeting fruitful but announced no formal agreement. Iran reportedly asked India to use its diplomatic contacts to encourage dialogue and end regional conflicts. Iran holds strategic importance for India through the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, offering routes bypassing Pakistan. India has sought US exemptions for these projects. The SCO summit also condemned strikes on Iran and supported its peaceful nuclear rights, with analysts noting India's multi-alignment strategy faces growing pressure from US secondary sanctions.