Iran dialogue: India welcomes US decision

India today welcomed the US decision to start direct talks with Iran on its nuclear programme and said display of ‘‘flexibility’’ by all sides would help diplomatic efforts to find a solution to this escalating crisis.

After Washington made a significant departure by opening the doors of talks with Tehran, New Delhi today emphasised that it has all along advocated dialogue to resolve contentious issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme.

‘‘Against this background, the readiness of the US to join in the dialogue between EU-3 and Iran, which India has all along supported, is to be welcomed,’’ an MEA spokesperson said.

‘‘We believe that with all sides displaying flexibility and adopting a constructive and forward-looking approach, the ongoing diplomatic efforts should reach a successful conclusion.’’