MEA culpa

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna went out of his way to make overtures to the Iranian leadership and reinvigorate the bilateral relationship. But no timeframe emerged from his meeting with the Iranian foreign minister for the meeting of the bilateral joint commission,which hasnt met since November 2008. Yet,why is Irans perceptible toughness and hesitation not very surprising? Indias IAEA vote on Irans nuclear programme,as well as Tehrans suspicions about close Indo-US ties,arent the whole story. It must be kept in mind that Indias relations with Iran are not driven by an ideological motor. The preponderance of ideology in international relations is long past and yet sections of Indias officialdom have not worked that into their modus operandi. The apparent nervousness,the idea that the Indian government needs to explain or be apologetic about its foreign or nuclear policy are misplaced,and doing us great disservice.

Indo-Iran ties are based on mutual interest. And certainly,for the Indian government,Indias nuclear and energy interests are more important than Irans. Theres nothing wrong with supporting the resolution to move the UNSC on Irans nuclear programme and yet pushing bilateral energy and trading ties with Tehran. Its time to de-link the two. Indian diplomacy needs to display consistency and self-confidence in other words,the ability to stand by its words and deeds as well as speak in one voice. To cast that IAEA vote and then run to the Iranians in half-panic is not going to earn India any respect. It should also be understood unambiguously that Indo-Iran bilateralism is not a counter to the US-Pakistan equation.

Theres also a wider dimension. Irans nuclear story is just unfolding. India has a deeper and more vibrant relationship with the Arab world even the number of Indians there dwarfs the few in Iran. This very Arab world is intensely worried about Irans nuclear ambitions. Nor is Iran Indias sole or primary energy partner. Therefore,the notion of appeasing Tehran should be dispensed with. Iranians will come to the talks if India shows that it is confident and knows its own mind.