US will not allow Iran to hold global energy markets hostage – Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the United States will not allow Iran to hold global energy markets hostage amid tensions between Tehran and Washington.

During their meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, 23 May, Rubio also highlighted that US energy products could help diversify India’s energy supply, according to US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

The issue has drawn attention as India has resumed Iranian oil purchases this year after a seven-year hiatus, following the US lifting sanctions on Tehran’s oil exports amid ongoing Middle East conflicts.

During bilateral talks, Rubio and Modi agreed to deepen trade and defence cooperation, and accelerate collaboration on critical and emerging technologies.

In an interview with CNN-News18, Rubio stated that India’s oil purchases from Russia were not targeted at India.

‘This is about pressuring Russia over the Ukraine war, and India happens to be a major buyer, but it was never specifically aimed at India,’ Rubio said.

‘However, there are new dynamics emerging since then. We also see opportunities for India to continue its plans to diversify its energy sources, including from the US and potentially other countries like Venezuela. We want to remain a good partner in this regard,’ he added.

Rubio said defence would be a key area for development between Washington and New Delhi.

‘Joint production between the US and India in the defence industry would be ideal given India’s exceptional capabilities,’ he said.