India on Friday asked Iran to extend “active and transparent” cooperation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as “further progress” needed to be made on Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme to remove “all doubts and uncertainty”. The observations came as Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari briefed India on the nuclear stand-off with the West in the backdrop of last week’s talks with the IAEA.During talks between Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and Safari, India also reiterated that Iran had a right to develop peaceful use of nuclear energy while fulfilling its international commitments and obligations.India noted the recent steps agreed between Iran and the IAEA while working towards the common goal of removing uncertainty, a spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry told reporters after Menon's meeting with Safari.“The need for the nuclear issue to be dealt with in an active and transparent cooperation with the IAEA through dialogue and negotiations was also mentioned,” the spokesperson said. Safari’s visit assumes significance as it comes just three days ahead of the meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors.Safari is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Petroleum Minister Murli Deora. The fast-tracking of the gas pipeline is on the agenda of talks with Deora. Safari’s visit follows Minister of State for External Affairs Minister E Ahamed’s visit to Iran. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in his meeting with Ahamed had said Iran would welcome further cooperation with India in trade, energy, science, technology and culture.
