When Left rants that Dr Singh betrayed Iran, it ignores the following facts

The CPM says Manmohan Singh is ‘‘directly responsible’’ for the surrender to the US by voting against Iran at the IAEA i...

The CPM says Manmohan Singh is ‘‘directly responsible’’ for the surrender to the US by voting against Iran at the IAEA in Vienna. And that this is a betrayal of a friend. Sure, Iran has backed India’s rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan, allowed transit of goods to Kabul via Bandar Abbas. Both worked together to work against the Taliban. And after the Babri demolition, it was Iran which said Muslims were safe here. But on nuclear weapons, both have taken contrasting stands. Here’s a reality check the Left glosses over:

• Blanket Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): After the 60th session of the UN General Assembly, Iran demanded all countries abide by NPT. When New Delhi pointed to Indian sensitivities, Tehran said this was aimed at Israel. India got together with the US—opposed to disarmament clause—to ensure the two issues did not figure in the final document.

• Security Council reform: Iran is strongly opposed to expansion of the UN Security Council and virtually toes the Pak line. It says it does not want new ‘‘centres of privilege’’ in the form of more than five permanent members. Means India’s bid gets a Tehran no.

Story continues below this ad

• OIC resolution on Kashmir: Indonesia, Algeria delinked themselves from the Kashmir part of the joint statement at the previous Organisation of Islamic Conference summit, not Iran. On September 25, 2005, OIC stressed the Indo-Pak peace process should lead to resolving the ‘‘core dispute’’ of Jammu and Kashmir, and raised the UN resolutions in this regard.

• Right to self-determination: In November 2004, Iran joined a number of Islamic nations, including Pakistan, to move a draft resolution on universal realisation of the right of peoples to self-determination. When Indian officials pointed out Kashmir, the Iranians said this was for Palestinians and, therefore, a signal to Israel.

• PokhAran II: Iran did not support India’s Shakti series of nuclear tests in May 1998. Though its reaction was more towards dialogue between India and Pakistan, it backed UNSC resolution 1172 that virtually asked India and Pakistan to sign the CTBT and NPT and cap their nuclear capabilities.

• Dec 13 attack on Parliament: Iran did not condemn the terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001. The only West Asian country to come out openly against the attack was Syria, besides Israel. New Delhi requested Tehran and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for support. Iran did not oblige. Arafat called for restraint by both India and Pakistan.

Day after PM Modi’s visit to the town, Manipur’s Churachandpur sees violent protest

India6 hr ago

Protests in Manipur's Churachandpur turned violent as two men were arrested for damaging decorations for PM Modi's visit. The crowd demanded their release and attempted to storm the police station. The men were eventually released after a bail hearing. The incident occurred after a clash between locals and police on Thursday, but the situation had calmed down before Saturday's visit.

View all shorts

Live Blog