Iran vote: In the national interest?

[Neil D]

September 28, 2005

On the balance.... On the balance… On the balance…'

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran kept repeating these words on September 26 while explaining the reasons behind, and defending, India's controversial vote vis-à-vis the resolution approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors in Vienna on September 24.

The resolution put Iran, a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, on notice for its alleged nuclear weapons development capabilities, and sets it up for future referral to the United Nations Security Council.

Saran, the astute diplomat, was out defending what was essentially a political decision taken by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The unstated force behind the resolution is the United States, whose antagonism toward Iran is age-old. And, the US factor has put Dr Singh in a bind in domestic politics.

Iran, US: India's Catch-22

Although India does not agree entirely with the resolution -- a ministry of external affairs statement said, 'In our Explanation of Vote, we have clearly expressed our opposition to Iran being declared as non-compliant with its safeguards agreements. Nor do we agree that the current situation could constitute a threat to international peace and security' -- Dr Singh nevertheless decided to go with it for strategic and political reasons.

No wonder the decision has created a diplomatic earthquake in New Delhi. Critics term the decision as 'surrendering under US pressure'. The Hindu newspaper charged the government with comprising the national interest by helping (America) prepare the ground for another possible conflict in its own region.

The resolution asks Iran, among other things, to suspend all enrichment-related activity, and reconsider construction of heavy water-based reactor. Besides, it also wants Iran to reconstruct the history and nature of its nuclear activities.

[:"green"] What do you all make of this? How does this place India on the US side of things? What made India vote with the US even though it's population does NOT want it's goverment to side withthe US? What do you think are the implications of this? [/] Here is the rest of the report