Lok Sabha Question No. 137 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-07-18
Subject: Indo-Iran Relationship
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KINJARAPU RAM MOHAN NAIDU, SAUGATA ROY, MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVNTHI), ANTO  ANTONY, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, ANANDRAO  ADSUL, KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL, SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE, DHARMENDRA YADAV, Shrirang Appa Barne, VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.137 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.07.2018

## INDO-IRAN RELATIONSHIP

137.   SHRI RAM MOHAN NAIDU KINJARAPU:

PROF. SAUGATA ROY:

SHRI MUTHAMSSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVANTHI):

SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:

SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:

SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV:

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the United States of America has warned countries including India to stop buying crude oil and other products from Iran;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government is considering to take up the issue with the US administration at appropriate fora;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for cancellation of bilateral talks between India and United States;
- (e) whether India is continuing its economic relations with Iran in terms of both oil imports and the investment in Chabahar Port so that both sides can actually have satisfaction as strategic partners that they are able to address each other's sensitivities; and
- (f) if   so,   the   details   thereof   and   the   steps   being   taken   to   make   further progress in this direction?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (c)   On 08 May 2018, the US announced that it would withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran and re-impose the U.S. sanctions, including on petroleum related transactions involving Iran.

India has maintained that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy by respecting Iran's right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy as also the international community's strong interest in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. All parties should engage constructively to address and resolve issues that have arisen with respect to the

(d) The meeting of Ministers of External Affairs and Defense with the US Secretaries of State and Defence in 2+2 format was scheduled to be held in Washington D.C. on 06 July 2018. After informing the Indian side the meeting was postponed   at   the   request   of   the   US   Secretary   of   State   on   account   of   his unavoidable and unforeseen commitments. Both sides have agreed to hold the

(e) & (f) India's bilateral relations with Iran stand on their own and are not influenced by India's relations with any third country. High level exchanges, including the state visit of PM to Iran in May 2016 and that of Iranian President to India in February 2018 have taken place. In keeping with understandings reached during these visits, both sides are engaged in developing a long term partnership in energy; deepening of trade and investment cooperation; and an early and full

JCPOA. meeting on mutually convenient dates. operations of Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar.

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