NEW DELHI: India has rejected any notions of sanctions or use of force against Iran. In an attempt to build bridges with Tehran, which have become strained after India’s “yes” vote at the IAEA, the MEA said on Tuesday: “Confrontation or the threat or use of force can only exacerbate tensions in a region, which is of vital importance to India, and must therefore be avoided at all costs.”

As US senate hearings on the India-US nuclear deal resume on Wednesday, India’s statements may be used by the anti-deal lobby to showcase India’s ties with Iran.

During the last hearing, it was reported of India apparently “training” Iranian ships that became an issue even though US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice clarified that no training was in fact undertaken. Even as reports fly about the US preparing targeted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, India took a similar view of the Iranian nuclear issue that Russia and China have the negotiations still remain the way forward.

“Iran has the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purpose, but this must be consistent with its international commitments and obligations.

India, along with other friendly countries, has continued to make efforts to reach an amicable resolution of outstanding issues through patient dialogue,” said the MEA spokesperson. The Indian reaction is interesting, because on paper, it is similar to the stand taken by British foreign secretary Jack Straw and US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.

But it is equally true that a military option will not be ruled out by anybody. Straw stated only last week that the UK would not agree to sanctions or force against Iran.

In fact, senior US Senator Chuck Hagel, who was in India and Pakistan recently, said the US should start direct talks with Iran on the nuclear issue.—By arrangement with The Times of India