People's Democracy

Rebuff US Moves On Iran

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued the following statement on September 11, 2005.

THE statement by US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice that Russia, India and China should join the US in demanding Iran halt its nuclear programme shows how the United States expects India to behave if it wants the status of a strategic ally.

The US Congressman Tom Lantos at the House International Relations Committee has crudely hectored India to take into account US concerns about Iran, if it wishes to receive benefits from the US.

The US is openly demanding that India not proceed with the Iran gas pipeline project. The Bush administration should desist from pressurizing India to join its crusade against Iran.

The UPA government must firmly rebuff such demands. India’s relations with Iran and its quest for energy security cannot be hostage to the USA’s arrogant hegemonism. The UPA government should consider whether its recent enthusiasm for allying with the US as a strategic partner is serving the country’s interests.