Click to play videoNew Delhi: After telling India what to do about Iran and setting off a diplomatic storm in Delhi, Washington backed off slightly on Thursday.
Assistant Secretary Richard Boucher on Thursday said that they were not pointing any fingers at India nor was there any disagreement. He said it was upto India to decide how to manage its relations with Iran.
However, he admitted the US did talk to India about Iran and would wait and see what emerged from President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad's visit to Delhi at the end of the month.
Boucher noted India's statements in the past about not wanting to see another nuclear power in the neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, India has maintained its sharp tone towards the US over its suggestion regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said “We tell the US, do not take on yourself the responsibility whether Iran was manufacturing weapons or not. Leave it to the IAEA, the designated authority,” Mukherjee said.
He pointed out that the IAEA alone had to satisfy itself that Iran's nuclear programme was peaceful in nature.
The Left was harsher, accusing the US of being audacious and arrogant. The CPI(M) demanded that the US ambassador be summoned and Delhi's displeasure conveyed.
Others warned of continued US attempts to influence Indian foreign policy.
We would want the UPA Government to take all necessary measures to ensure that India will pursue its foreign policies in accordance with its priorities,” said Sitaram Yechury.
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