Iran, India urge broadening ties in oil, energy sectors

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad met with his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting held in Gurugram, Haryana, India, on Thursday. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the positive relations and cooperation between the two countries and urged broadening ties in the oil and energy sectors.

India has historically been an important buyer of Iranian crude but suspended imports in 2019 following the re-imposition of US sanctions on the export of Iranian oil. The meeting signals a potential thaw in energy cooperation between the two nations.

The 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting took place on June 25–26. BRICS brings together 11 major emerging economies and developing nations, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Mehr News, the discussions focused on enhancing bilateral energy trade and investment, with both ministers expressing willingness to explore new avenues of cooperation. The meeting occurred amid ongoing US-Israeli aggression on Iran, which has further complicated Iran's oil exports.