'If India Wants To Buy Oil From Us...': Iran's Ambassador Amid US Sanctions

Speaking on the sidelines of an event to mark the 44th anniversary of Iran's establishment, Iran's Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi said the country had found ways to export oil despite US sanctions.

Iran's ambassador to India Iraj Elahi

Iran's Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi on Friday said India was a key partner for the Iranian oil market, ANI reported. Speaking on the sidelines of an event to mark the 44th anniversary of Iran's establishment, Elahi said the country had found ways to export oil despite US sanctions.

"Despite efforts of US to make Iranian oil export zero, Iran found some ways to export its oil. We believe if India really wants to buy oil from us there are ways. We believe that India is key partner for Iranian oil market," ANI quoted the Iranian envoy as saying.

The remarks come a day after the United States imposed sanctions on companies it accused of playing a critical role in the production, sale and shipment of Iranian petrochemicals and petroleum to buyers in Asia, Reuters reported.

Elahi further said energy and connectivity were the two pillars of India-Iran ties.

"Iran and India have long-standing relation throughout history. We believe that despite the sanctions, autonomic strategies of India are key support for restarting cooperation and trade in energy," he said.

"Concerning connectivity, India and Iran are partners in Chabahar. We're looking for investment from India and activation of Chabahar. India and Iran are main founders and partners of North-South international corridor. We're looking forward to future," Elahi said.

The event was also attended by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who said India and Iran share incomparable civilisation links.

"It is believed that Indian and Iranian belonged to one family before the Indo-Aryan civilization and lived together with one common language," he said.

"In modern times, India-Iran civilization links have grown into a close and warm relationship strengthened by regular political contact. India and Iran are reliable partners who cooperate on bilateral and regional issues," ANI quoted Sonowal as saying.

Speaking to reporters at India Energy Week in Bengaluru, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India would consider buying oil from Iran if sanctions were lifted and would continue purchases from Russia if prices "continue to be good".

India is the third largest oil consumer in the world and accounts for 30 per cent of global consumption.

India has been buying Russian oil at cheaper rate since the West imposed sanctions on the Kremlin amid its war against Ukraine.