NEW DELHI: The mission sees India walking a diplomatic tightrope as it seeks more business from Iran while managing a growing partnership with the United States and maintaining good relations with Israel, a key arms supplier.

US lawmakers and pro-Israel groups have accused New Delhi of undermining American and European efforts to isolate Tehran and force it to abandon its nuclear program.

An attack that severely injured an Israeli diplomat in New Delhi last month — blamed by Israel on Iran — has further complicated matters.

The trade team will be in Iran until March 14 and expects “a lot of business” from the trip, said Anand Seth, spokesman for the government-backed Federation of Indian Export Organizations, which is leading the delegation.

“It’s a big market for Indian exporters,” Seth told AFP.

But the federation declined to name the firms taking part in the visit and a source close to the delegation said the companies involved were worried about potential US reprisals. The delegation, of around 70 companies and top government officials, wants to boost exports to improve India’s trade balance with Iran.

Meanwhile, an Indian journalist arrested in connection with the bomb attack last month targeting an Israeli diplomat had links to Iran, but played no role in the attack, his son and fellow professionals said yesterday.

Syed Mohammed Kazmi, a 50-year-old veteran reporter, was arrested by the police in New Delhi on Tuesday and was later remanded in custody for 20 days.