NEW DEHI, Feb 1: India would keep an open mind over a likely vote to send Iran to the UN Security Council, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) governing board meets on Thursday to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme.

India’s stand at the IAEA meeting is being keenly watched in the light of improving ties with the United States, especially after a landmark deal to resume civil nuclear energy cooperation after a three-decade ban.

“This (India’s stand) will depend on the kind of resolution on which the voting will take place,” Mr Singh said at a nationally televised annual news conference.

“We will think it over and keep in mind our national interest and that will be our attitude to any such resolution.” Mr Singh said the permanent five statement was a ‘significant Development’ and that efforts were on for a consensus.

“I still believe this is a matter which should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue,” he said. “Our broad position is Iran is signatory to the NPT (nuclear non-proliferation treaty). Therefore, it is entitled to all the rights that go with the membership of the NPT.

“And that simultaneously it must fulfil all the obligations also that go with it.” —Reuters