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India studying implications of Iran resolution

Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI: India said on Sunday that it had taken note of a United Nations Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Iran on Saturday and was studying its "implications."

New Delhi, which voted in September 2005 and February 2006 in the IAEA to report Iran to the Security Council, stated that Tehran had 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 External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

"We continue to feel that all possible efforts should be made to address the Iranian nuclear issue by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiation and that the IAEA should play a central role in resolving outstanding issues," he added.

The resolution mandates that all countries shall freeze funds and other financial assets and economic resources owned by persons or entities linked to Iran's alleged nuclear proliferation activities.

Given that India voted twice to take Iran's case to the Security Council, its new position that the IAEA should play a "central role" in resolving "outstanding issues" relating to Tehran does come as a bit of a surprise.

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