NEW DELHI, 14 March 2005 — US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to India this week has assumed new significance following reports that Washington is concerned about New Delhi’s close ties with Iran.
While in India on Wednesday, Rice is scheduled to have delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh. She will also call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, opposition leader Lal Krishna Advani and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
India views Rice’s visit, part of a weeklong Asian tour, as a significant indicator of the US administration’s desire to consolidate its ties with India, according to official sources.
During her visit, India and the United States will hold “comprehensive” discussions on bilateral issues as well international developments. Washington’s concern about the trilateral gas pipeline project involving Iran, Pakistan and India is likely to be raised during Rice’s visit. US Ambassador to India David Mulford recently voiced Washington’s reservations about the energy deal, according to an Indian newspaper report.
India has indicated that it will not disrupt its economic dealings with Iran because of US “concerns.” Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, who has played a major part in giving Indian oil diplomacy a boost, said recently: “We hope that they (US) can resolve issues with Iran by the time we are able to resolve our contractual issues (of gas imports).”
Regarding US “concern,” he said: “We have noted what US concerns are and I think the United States is well aware of what our energy requirements are. We are sensitive to each other’s requirement. We need 100 million standard cubic meters per day of natural gas by 2025. Can America supply us that? I am only looking at ensuring energy security for the country.”
Aiyar is to visit Tehran in June to formally sign the $4.16 billion Iran-India gas pipeline deal.
