US pullout from Iran n-deal: India to safeguard interests

With the US pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal, India will take all measures to safeguard its interests in the West Asian Nation, a senior official said here on Thursday.

“We are closely monitoring the developments,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to a question at a media briefing here.

“We are assessing the implications which this might have on our interests,” Kumar said.

“At this stage, I can share with you that the government will take all necessary measures which are required to safeguard our interests.”

Announcing Washington’s exit from the deal signed between Iran and the six world powers (Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US) on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said he will not sign the waiver of nuke-related sanctions against Iran but re-impose sanctions lifted under the accord against Tehran and nations it has business links with.

India has key interests in Iran, including the strategic Chabahar port and the International North South Transport Corridor that will link India with Central Asia and Europe.

India is also the biggest oil customer of Iran after China.

Following Trump’s announcement, Kumar on Wednesday said that India has called on all parties to “engage constructively” to resolve all contentious issues.

“India has always maintained that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy by respecting Iran’s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy as also the international community’s strong interest in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme,” the spokesperson said in response to queries.

“All parties should engage constructively to address and resolve issues that have arisen with respect to the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).”  (IANS)