NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday underscored that it is hoping to have an engagement with the United States (US) in connection with reducing oil imports from Iran.
The United States asked countries to cut all oil imports from Iran by the start of November or else face powerful US sanctions, a senior official of the State Department had stated as the Trump administration increased pressure on allies to stop funding to Iran.
According to the sources, India is hoping to hold engagement on this subject with US within the span of a month but it is unlikely for US to grant a waiver.
Furthermore, the sources assured that India will take a decision keeping in view its national interests and energy security needs.
On June 28, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that the statement made by the US in connection with reducing oil imports from Iran was not "India specific" and is applicable to all the countries.
"As far as we are concerned we will take all necessary steps, including engagement with relevant stakeholders, to ensure our energy security," official spokesperson of the MEA, Raveesh Kumar had said then in a media briefing.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who was on a three-day visit to India from June 26-28, during her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched that it was imperative for India to cut its dependence on Iran for oil.
It is pertinent to mention here that Iran, OPEC's third-biggest oil producer, exports more than 2 million barrels a day.