RoydadNaft –  Iran’s Oil Minister held discussions with India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas on expanding bilateral cooperation in the oil and energy sectors.

According to Roydad Naft, Mohsen Paknejad, on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram, India, met today (Thursday, July 4) — the second day of his visit — with Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and emphasized the development of bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sectors.

The meeting between the Iranian and Indian oil ministers took place against the backdrop of the two countries’ long history of energy cooperation. Prior to U.S. sanctions, India was one of the largest buyers of Iranian oil.

After Indian refiners halted imports of Iranian oil in 2019, the level of oil cooperation decreased. However, the two countries have continued discussions on expanding energy cooperation and utilizing related capacities, including the Chabahar Port.

It is worth noting that upon his arrival at Gurugram Airport on Wednesday (July 3) to participate in the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting, the Iranian Oil Minister had stated: “Iran and India have enjoyed deep historical relations for centuries. We are ready to develop ties with India in all fields, especially the energy sector.”