India should make its own decisions on ties with Iran: US
October 21, 2017 15:06
India should make its own decisions on the relationship with Iran based on its interests, a top US official has said, days after President Donald Trump condemned Tehran as a "fanatical regime" and threatened to terminate the landmark nuclear deal.
At the same time, the countries should take a hard look at their business partners in Iran, the senior Trump administration official said when asked about India developing the strategically located Chabahar port in Iran, which will give it access to Afghanistan and then to Central Asia.
"India should make its own decisions based on how it sees its interests," the official told PTI.
An agreements on the Chabahar port was inked by India and Iran in May 2016 after detailed discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
As per the pact, India is to equip and operate two berths in Chabahar Port Phase-I with capital investment of USD 85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of USD 22.95 million on a 10-year lease. Ownership of equipment will be transferred to Iranian side on completion of the 10-year period or for an extended period, based on mutual agreement.
"What we're asking is for all countries to take a very hard look at who you're doing business with in Iran and to understand who are the beneficial owners of these companies," the US official said, warning against the business deals with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-controlled companies.
The countries also need to have a look at what is the relationship of these companies with the groups which have contributed to the scourge of terrorism, the official said, referring to the IRGC.
Earlier this month, the US slapped sanctions on the IRGC for its alleged support to various terrorist organisations.
Countries doing business with Iran also need to ensure that their economic relationships with Iran do not lead to the strengthening of the IRGC in particular and their ability to do so much harm to so many people, the official added.
Talks between India and the US in this regard if any are happening through normal channels all the time, the senior administration official said.
Trump's Ambassadorial nominee to India Ken Juster, who is awaiting the Senate confirmation process, is "going to just really be a fine representative" who understands the importance that the president places on the US-India ties.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances