The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday criticised the government for voting against Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and sought to know why the resolution moved by the U.S. was supported.
Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha during zero hour, CPI(M) leader Basudeb Acharia said it was “unfortunate” that India voted along with the U.S. to censure Iran at the IAEA last week.
He criticised the resolution, saying it came at a time when discussions were on between Iran and the West over the nuclear issue and Iran had agreed to allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections at its atomic sites.
Mr. Acharia questioned India’s decision to go along with the U.S. on the resolution when a number of countries abstained and three countries opposed.
After voting for the resolution, India said it did so as it did not want Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and that the Persian nation should adhere to the obligations as a signatory of NPT. At the same time, it said the resolution should not be the basis for “further punitive” action against Iran and the matter should be resolved through dialogue.
He expressed the fear that India was “moving towards” Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which, he said, was being “thrust on us.”
