Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visits India as Delhi Balances Ties

India hoping for a way forward to maintain its strategic partnership with Iran following US decision against renewing waivers for importing oil from Tehran will host Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Tuesday.

Zarif on a less than a 24-hr-visit will brainstorm with his host Sushma Swaraj on options to maintain energy and strategic partnership. India will also seek a brief from the Iranian Minister on status of nuclear deal after Tehran threatened to revisit certain aspects of JCPoA signed in 2015.

EU, France, Germany and UK on Monday expressed concern with Iran’s decision on JCPoA even as it expressed concern over US decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran. “We call on countries not party to the JCPoA to refrain from taking any actions that impede the remaining parties’ ability to fully perform their commitments,” the four suggested in a statement. UK, Germany and France fear JCPoA can collapse without a deal to sell Iranian oil to China or India.

India looks to balance its ties between USA and Iran even as Delhi will source oil from alternative sources. Delhi adhering to its principle of strategic autonomy will continue to pursue partnership with Tehran in long term strategic interests.

Iran is India’s sole gateway via land to Afghanistan and provides shorter route to Central Asia and Eastern Russia via Chabahar Port. Besides, INSTC currently under negotiations will connect Mumbai with St Petersburg in a shorter time period via Iran than current transportation link. Iran is also critical to counter-balance Pakistan and securing Afghan interests in long term.

Source: ET

Image Courtesy: HT