UPI: India rebuked Iran’s reference to the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal.
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, described the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal as a case of American double standards compared with Tehran’s nuclear program.
United Press International
NEW DELHI, Jan. 17 (UPI) — India rebuked Iran’s reference to the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal.
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, described the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal as a case of American double standards compared with Tehran’s nuclear program.
In response, India said that as a responsible nuclear power it adhered to international obligations and other countries should do the same.
“We have consistently maintained that it is a state’s sovereign right to enter into treaties and international agreements. Every state must fully comply with its international obligations and commitments and in a transparent manner,” said Navtej Sarna, spokesman of the Indian foreign office.
He said India was a responsible nuclear state and has always been in compliance with its obligations under international treaties and agreements.
“We regret this reference to India,” Sarna said.
“It (India) does not have a nuclear weapon but they (the United States) have extensive relations in the nuclear field. This dual standard is detrimental to international security,” Larijani said.
“Why the world should turn international right into a debate about intentions,” he said.
Western countries have been mounting pressure on Tehran to stop its clandestine nuclear program. They also moved a resolution seeking the referral of Iran’s nuclear program to the U.N. Security Council at the international nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, of which India is also a member.
New Delhi is of the view that the issue should be resolved within the IAEA. It has also asked Tehran to adhere to international obligations.
