By IRNA,
New Delhi : The standoff between Iran and US over Iran’s nuclear program should be resolved through dialogue and discussions within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the Indian prime minister.
Replying to the two-day debate on the trust motion, sought by the government, Dr Manmohan Singh strongly refuted the opposition allegations that his government has neglected relations with the Arab world and important countries like Iran for the sake of stronger strategic ties with US.
“With regard to Iran, our advice has been in favour of moderation and we would like that the issues relating to Iran’s nuclear program which have emerged should be resolved through dialogue and discussions in the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” said the Indian prime minister in his speech, which he was not allowed to deliver by opposition and which he tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday evening.
“There is nothing in the Indo-US nuclear deal agreement which will affect our strategic autonomy or our ability to pursue an independent foreign policy. I state categorically that our foreign policy, will at all times be determined by our own assessment of our national interest. This has been true in the past and will be true in future regarding our relations with big powers as well as with our neighbours in West Asia, notably Iran, Iraq, Palestine and the Persian Gulf countries”, noted Dr. Singh.
“We have differed with the USA on their intervention in Iraq. I had explicitly stated at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC in July 2005 that intervention in Iraq was a big mistake.
“I should also inform the House that our relations with the Arab world are very good. Two years ago, His Majesty, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia was the Chief Guest at our Republic Day.”
He said, “More recently, we have played host to the President of Iran, President of Syria, the King of Jordan, the Emir of Qatar and the Emir of Kuwait. With all these countries we have historic civilisational and cultural links which we are keen to further develop to our mutual benefit.
“Today, we have strategic relationship with all major powers including the USA, Russia, France, UK, Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa. We are Forging new partnerships with countries of East Asia, South East Asia and Africa,” said Manmohan.