Iran looks to Delhi for nuke support

In the face of increasing international pressure on its nuclear programme, Tehran today conveyed to New Delhi that it needs to seek access t...

In the face of increasing international pressure on its nuclear programme, Tehran today conveyed to New Delhi that it needs to seek access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi underlined that this was Iran’s necessity, which he hoped would be recognised by the international community.

Kharrazi, who had a 20-minute meeting with his Indian counterpart Natwar Singh, highlighted the importance of the civilian use of nuclear technology while briefing India on Tehran’s ongoing talks with the European Union and International Atomic Energy Agency. The two leaders also had an hour-long meeting in the presence of select officials before the delegation level meeting.

An MEA spokesperson said the Iranian Foreign Minister said the Indian position in the matter was important as Tehran looked for cooperation and understanding from the international community on this issue. New Delhi, for its part, has maintained the stand that Iran must work closely with IAEA on this matter. Singh conveyed the Indian position to Kharrazi during the talks today.

On the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, Kharrazi welcomed the latest Cabinet decision to designate the Petroleum Minister to carry forward the negotiations. A technical team from the Ministry will visit Iran this month-end to discuss the project. Kharrazi said India’s recent approval for the pipeline had created ‘‘an encouraging atmosphere’’ to take forward this ‘‘highly important project’’, which would have positive impact on ‘‘regional convergence’’.

Further, Kharrazi urged Indian investors to explore opportunities in Iran. In fact, he offered three-year multiple entry visas to Indian investors while highlighting IT, engineering, biotechnology and tourism as potential areas for investment.

The Iranian Foreign Minister also said the initiative taken by Iran, Russia and India to create a north-south transport corridor and an east corridor till Uzbekistan would considerably reduce costs and time of movement of merchandise between the two countries.

The two foreign ministers, who co-chaired the 14th meeting of the India-Iran Joint Commission, will hold another round on Wednesday.

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Today, annual trade between India and Iran is in the range of $3 billion but largely in the hydrocarbon sector. The two sides agreed to expand ties in other areas like cement, aluminium, steel, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, textiles, I-T and telecommunications.