MUMBAI, Feb 4: India said it was one of the countries which voted on Saturday to report Iran to the UN Security Council over its nuclear programme, but tried to calm its old ally by saying the move allowed for more negotiations.
“Our vote in favour of the resolution should not be interpreted as in any way detracting from the traditionally close and friendly relations we enjoy with Iran,” an Indian Foreign Office statement said.
“The resolution has won a period of six weeks, before the March IAEA board meeting, for diplomatic efforts to continue and to get negotiations between the EU3 and Iran back on track.”
India surprised Iran in September when it sided with the West.
India’s stand at the IAEA meeting was keenly watched in the light of New Delhi’s growing ties with the United States, especially after a landmark deal to resume civil nuclear energy cooperation.
“The resolution is well-balanced. Several amendments suggested by non-aligned countries were accepted by the EU co-sponsors,” the Foreign Office statement said.—Reuters
