India voted against Iran at IAEA to stop UNSC intervention

New Delhi, Dec 5 (UNI) The government today defended its decision of having voted against Iran at the IAEA, saying the matter would have otherwise gone to the UN Security Council (UNSC) which would have meant tougher conditions for Tehran.

''Don't doubt our sincerity. Our intentions were clear that it (the matter) does not go to the (UN) Security Council. It would have meant more problems for Iran...Don't doubt whatever we do. We should not be seen with suspicion,'' External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in the Rajya Sabha while replying to a debate on the Indo-US Nuclear deal.

The Minister said India did not believe that the standoff could be resolved by imposing tougher sanctions or hurting the national pride of Tehran, but by engaging it at the appropriate international forum, the IAEA.

He was referring to charges made by some members during the nearly ten-hour discussion yesterday that India had voted against Iran at the IAEA under US pressure.

''By doing that (voting against Iran), we have taken a correct position,'' he said.

He said India's Foreign Policy believed in the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam' (entire world is a family) and it considered every country to be a friend.

UNI