Delhi points to NPT as Tehran pulls up Indo-US nuke deal

Upset over Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani’s reference to the Indo-US nuclear deal as a case of US ‘‘dual s...

Upset over Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani’s reference to the Indo-US nuclear deal as a case of US ‘‘dual standards’’ compared to Tehran’s nuclear programme, India today said as a ‘‘responsible nuclear power’’, it adhered to ‘‘international obligations’’ and other countries should do the same.

Iran’s nuclear programme has been referred to the United Nations Security Council for alleged violation of commitments as per the Non-Proliferation Treaty that it has signed. The inspections by IAEA were triggered on this count. However, in an interview, Ali Larijani, also the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said: ‘‘Compare that to India, it does have nuclear weapons but they (US) have extensive relations in the nuclear field (with India). This dual standard is detrimental to international security.’’

He argued that international laws were equal and that actions cannot be taken on the basis of ‘‘intentions’’. He pointed to some IAEA observations that Tehran was 10 years away from making the bomb and in that context, mentioned India as a country possessing nuclear weapons but being able to get Washington’s cooperation in the field.

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India, unlike Iran, is not a signatory to the NPT and has maintained that having signed the treaty, Iran must abide by its conditions. ‘‘We have consistently maintained that it is a state’s sovereign right to enter into treaties and international agreements. Every state must fully comply with its international obligations and commitments and in a transparent manner,’’ the MEA spokesperson said in response to a query on Larijani’s remarks.

Regretting the refrence to India, the spokesperson emphasised that India is a ‘‘responsible nuclear weapon state’’ and has always been ‘‘in compliance with its obligations under international treaties and agreements’’.

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