US sanctions on Iran a threat to India’s energy security: Rao
By Iftikhar Gilani | Daily Times | July 6, 2010
NEW DELHI: India on Monday reached out to Iran to seek help in Afghanistan, and even expressed its concerns over the fresh US-led sanctions.
Addressing experts at the India-Iran strategic dialogue, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said the deepening Afghan conundrum could have a deleterious impact on both countries, fearing the return of the forces of extremism and obscurantism.
“Our cooperation and information sharing on counter-terrorism must be the subject of more intensive focus and attention in the future,” she added. Rao also expressed the need for a structured, systematic and regular consultation with Iran on the situation in Afghanistan.
The Indian foreign secretary further expressed concern at the unilateral sanctions imposed by ‘’individual’’ nations on investment by third countries in Iran’s energy sector.
‘’We are justifiably concerned that the extra-territorial nature of certain unilateral sanctions recently imposed by individual countries, with their restrictions on investment by third countries in Iran’s energy sector, could have a direct and adverse impact on Indian companies and more importantly, on our energy security and our attempts to meet the development needs of our people,’’ Rao said.
Calling for a flexible approach for a comprehensive solution to all issues, the foreign secretary said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continued to provide the best framework for addressing technical issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme.
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