Iran’s foreign minister meets PM Vajpayee and Sinha

According to South Block officials, Iran has been under mounting pressure to sign additional protocols under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). New Delhi has, however, maintained that Tehran’s concerns emerge from it being a signatory to the NPT. Since India is not a signatory to the NPT, sources said, it had little role to play in the issue.

Kharrazi had in January accompanied Iranian President Syed Mohammed Khatami, who was the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day celebrations. During the visit, both countries signed seven accords, including a New Delhi Declaration, wherein both sides agreed that the global fight against terrorism should not be based on ‘‘double standards’’.

However, there were difficulties in finding common ground on Iran’s proposal of an overland gas pipeline through Pakistan. New Delhi had said both countries will have to work out ‘‘mutually acceptable, secure and stable arrangements for transfer of gas’’.

After wrapping his Delhi visit, Kharrazi will visit Islamabad, Beijing and Tokyo.