July 15, 2008	Tuesday	Rajab 11, 1429

NEW DELHI, July 14: India is “gravely concerned” over reports suggesting the use of military force against Iran and is strongly against any such action, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

There has been concern an attack against Iran could be imminent after it emerged Israel had practised a strike against Iranian nuclear facilities.

“India is gravely concerned at these statements threatening the use of military force against Iran,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“India is against any such military attack, which constitutes unacceptable international behaviour. There is no military solution to the issues that are being discussed between Iran and the international community.” India’s comments come after Iran intensified international tensions on the nuclear issue by conducting two days of tests, which included the firing of a missile that it says can reach Israel.

The United States and its regional ally Israel have never ruled out a military attack to end Iran’s controversial nuclear work, which the West fears could be used to make weapons -- a charge vehemently denied by Tehran.

Energy-hungry India, which enjoys warm relations with Iran, expects to finalise a deal on a $7.5 billion pipeline that will transport gas from the Middle East to here via Pakistan.

New Delhi says Tehran has the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy but has asked it to cooperate with the United Nations nuclear watchdog.—AFP