Iran policy to be guided by self-interest: PM

Giving ample indication that it was Iran that was in the wrong, and that India would try to avoid a confrontation by supporting solutions that emphasised dialogue, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India's foreign policy would continue to be guided by its own national interest, and not that of other countries.

Replying during a debate on the Indian vote at the International Atomic Eenergy Agency (IAEA) on Iran's nuclear programme, the prime minister said in the Lok Sabha that at the earlier IAEA vote "" where the Left parties charged the government with abandoning its old friend, Iran, and supporting its new friend the US "" India had been consistent and had supported its own national interest.

The prime minister reminded the House that Iran had the legal right to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy, but also had certain obligations and responsibilities under the Safeguards Agreement which it signed with the IAEA voluntarily.

As there were some enquiries about its programme, it agreed to assist the IAEA with investigations. Iran voluntarily suspended enrichment and reprocessing in November 2004.

However, since last August, it had renewed production of enriched uranium, the prime minister said. The prime minister said unresolved question regarding centrifuge imports and designs to make uranium metallic hemispheres remain.

"The origin of such procurement is an issue of direct concern for us," he said. These facts had emerged, not from the account of any third country but disclosed by Iran itself, he said.

"The resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors last month mentions certain steps that Iran and the IAEA will be taking. Discussions are taking place in Vienna on this matter. The government's approach will be based on our consistent policy of promoting efforts for a resolution of issues through dialogue and discussions", Singh said.

Not very hopeful that talks with Russia would yield a solution, the prime minsiter said, "We do not favour confrontation, rhetoric or coercive measures as these will only exacerbate tensions in the region and beyond. India has consistently stated that all sides must work to find mutually acceptable compromise solutions, and that confrontation should be avoided at all costs. For this to be possible, time must be given for diplomacy to work."

Referring to the visit of Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamad to Iran, the PM said India wanted to continue to have friendly relations with Iran.

"In dealing with this issue, we will pay due attention to our relationship with Iran, the need to maintain peace and stability in the Gulf region and safeguarding our own security," Singh said.