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| Picture Credit: PTI |
US National Security Adviser James Jones has traveled to New Delhi to urge India to enforce UN sanctions against Iran. Jones also discussed a variety of items with other Indian officials, but Iran sanctions have apparently dominated US-India discourse in recent months. India maintains significant ties with Iran; their relationship is embedded with economic and strategic interests. Although a US State Department said that India would adhere to the sanctions, India has traditionally seen sanctions as diplomatic tool that "does not serve any purpose."
By Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury
US national security adviser James Jones, who met his Indian counterpart Shiv Shankar Menon in New Delhi, conveyed Washington's expectations about enforcing the sanctions approved by the UN Security Council (UNSC).
The 35-year-old Indo-Iranian shipping joint venture, Iran-o-Hind, has been placed under sanctions in the latest 'UN Security Council Resolution 1929'. This is the only entity with Indian links included in the fresh round of sanctions. It will affect transportation of crude oil from Iran to India.
Besides the UN embargo, Washington has its own set of sanctions that may affect Indian investments in Iran. Two weeks ago, US President Barack Obama signed a Bill imposing the toughest sanctions on Iran to date. It aims to choke off Tehran's access to refined petroleum imports.
The latest US sanctions are designed to force foreign firms to choose whether to do business with Iran or the US. Menon reportedly conveyed to Jones New Delhi's objections and reservations with the recent US sanctions on Iran. Besides proposed investments in Iran's oil and gas fields by ONGC Videsh Limited and private firms, India is the third largest market of crude oil from Iran. Indian exports to Iran also include petroleum products.
On the eve of the Jones visit, US state department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Washington expected India to adhere to sanctions. The Iran issue has figured in almost all Indo-US discourses over the months with New Delhi expressing its reservations against fresh sanctions. India has long felt that sanction as an international diplomacy tool does not serve any purpose Besides energy interests, India wants to partner Iran following efforts by Pakistan to accommodate the hardline Sirajuddin Haqqani faction of Taliban in Kabul's power structure. Iran also serves as India's gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond.
Coming within days of the Iranian finance minister's visit to New Delhi when six pacts were signed, Jones's visit was an opportunity for India to balance its ties between the two countries.
Jones and Menon discussed the liberalisation of high-technology exports from the US. Menon pushed for easing of high-technology exports. Jones is understood to have sought speedy passage of the Nuclear Liability Bill in Parliament.
During the three-day trip beginning on Wednesday, Jones is also expected to meet home minister P Chidambaram on Thursday.
Jones may also meet defence minister A.K. Antony to discuss defence ties. The two could focus on expanding ties in maritime security and cyber security.
