— Photo: AFP

Iran Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehdi Safari (left) with Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Rajiv Sikri in New Delhi on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: India has told Iran that it does not want "confrontation and destabilisation" in the region and believes that Tehran, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), must enjoy all its rights and honour its obligations.

This was conveyed by Secretary (East) in the External Affairs Ministry Rajiv Sikri to visiting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Mehdi Safari, during talks on Tuesday. "He [Mr. Sikri] emphasised that India wants all issues to be resolved through dialogue and discussion rather than coercion," an official statement said.

Dr. Safari, who explained Iran's response to the "P5+1" (United States, France, Russia, China, Britain and Germany) "incentives package" on the nuclear issue, stressed that Tehran was open to negotiations and willing to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At the same time, it wanted the nuclear issue to be referred back to the IAEA.

On energy issues, India emphasised the importance of Iran honouring the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) deal signed in June 2005. "Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the [Iran-Pakistan-India] gas pipeline project," the statement added. Dr. Safari, who handles Asia-Pacific affairs, is believed to have told the Indian side that there were some differing perceptions in Iran about the LNG deal, especially in Parliament, but the Iranian Foreign Ministry had a positive view of the contract.

The Deputy Foreign Minister's visit comes about a month after a July tour by Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was cancelled at the last moment on account of the Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

Though India has twice voted against Iran since September 2005 at the IAEA, the two Governments have remained engaged. Dr. Safari's visit is yet another confirmation of the contact.

Dr. Safari also called on National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran.

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