Modi-Pezeshkian meeting held amid US warnings of sanctions on Iran’s trading partners

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan. This marks their first meeting since the outbreak of war six months ago. According to an Iranian readout, Pezeshkian requested that Modi utilize India's extensive contacts to steer involved parties back toward dialogue. Modi reiterated New Delhi's desire to strengthen long-standing ties and expand trade with Tehran. The meeting occurs as the Trump administration intensifies its 'Operation Economic Outcast,' threatening secondary sanctions against nations that continue business with Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no country should assist Iran in evading sanctions or generating revenue for terrorism, warning that the U.S. will impose sanctions on countries that do so. India has been among Iran's top five trading partners in recent years, though bilateral trade has dropped significantly since its 2018-19 peak. Indian exports to Iran are largely concentrated on humanitarian goods, including pharmaceuticals and rice. Additionally, India resumed importing Iranian crude oil in April after a seven-year hiatus. Analysts suggest that if forced to choose, New Delhi would prioritize its valuable commercial relationship with the U.S. over its limited trade ties with Iran.