Iran has right to peaceful nuke programme: India
"Iran has the right to pursue its nuclear programme for peaceful civilian use. It has undertaken certain obligations that its nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes," the Indian foreign ministry said.
The statement was issued the day after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution, which imposes restrictions on Iran's nuclear industry and ballistic missile programme, its first ever sanctions against Tehran.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "We have noted the passage of the UN Security Council Resolution and are studying its implications," the India foreign ministry said.
India has been eyeing Iran's huge gas reserves, but its ties with Tehran have suffered after it sided with the West in voting against Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
India has also signed a landmark civilian nuclear deal with the United States, under which India -- a non-signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) -- will get nuclear fuel and technology for the first time in more than 30 years, since it tested a nuclear device.
The US Congress this month cleared the agreement, asking for India's participation in US efforts to "dissuade, isolate, and, if necessary, sanction and contain Iran."
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government has come under severe attack for the law's provision on Iran.
The Indian statement also repeated calls for negotiations.
"We continue to feel that all possible efforts should be made to address the Iranian nuclear issue by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiation," it said, adding the IAEA "should play a central role in resolving outstanding issues."
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