US is handling "privately" India's request to lift sanctions imposed on two of its scientists for allegedly selling weapons and providing sensitive technology to Iran.

The Ministry of External Affairs, had earlier this month, rejected the US charge against the two Indian scientists and urged Washington to withdraw sanctions imposed on them.

 "No sale of materials, equipment and technologies was involved. No transfer of sensitive technology has taken place...the US government has been requested to review the issue and to withdraw the sanctions imposed," it had said.

On September 29, the US slapped sanctions on the two Indians, seven Chinese firms as also companies from Belarus,
North Korea, Russia, Spain and Ukraine for allegedly selling weapons or cruise and ballistic missile technology and
equipment to Iran.