India took judicious step on Iran issue: Ahamed

The stand taken by India as well as that of Russia and China on the issue left room for diplomacy on the matter.

India has taken a judicious decision on the Iran nuclear issue and it will not hamper the friendship between the two countries, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday.

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"India had taken a judicious decision on the issue and its vote in favour of the International Atomic Energy Agency resolution did not mean that the country had detracted from traditionally close ties with Iran," he said in reply to queries at a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram.

"India always values the friendship with Iran greatly and it would continue to do so."

As a signatory to the NPT, Iran had some international obligations to fulfil. India voted at the IAEA, taking this aspect into consideration, he said.

The stand taken by India as well as that of Russia and China on the issue left room for diplomacy and further discussions on the matter.

The resolution had put off the UN action against Iran at least for one month, giving that country time for diplomacy until the next meeting, he said.

Even Russia, China and Japan had expressed their readiness to talk to Iran after voting in favour of the resolution at the IAEA, he said.

Asked whether the Indian Union Muslim League, to which he belonged, had endorsed this position, Ahamed said IUML was part of the UPA coalition and the party had discussed the matter.

On the Left outcry over the issue, the Minister said different political parties could have divergent views on issues.