Iranian market always open to good friend India: Iran

At the same time, Iran also said it understands India's constraints in engaging with it due to influence from the US but left it to New Delhi to decide on what kind of relationship it wants with Tehran.

"We have long and friendly relations with India. We can continue to be friends. We can try to materialise this potential. But if India keeps moving towards Washington then there will be some limitations for us," a senior Iranian functionary told journalists during an interaction here.

Asked whether Iran thought India was moving towards the US, Mostafa Dolatyar, a career diplomat, who is Director- General of Institute of Political and International Studies and Member of the Nuclear Negotiating Team, said, "That has already been done".

Dolatyar, who held talks with officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, found fault with India for not utilising the "lucrative Iranian market" which is always open for any country, including the US, and especially "good friends" like India.

"When American products can find their way into our markets, why can't India products. They (India) have to find a way. It is not the fault of the Iranian Government because despite sanctions American products continue to be sold in Iran," he said.

The top official did not give a direct answer whether Indian side indicated that its oil imports from Iran would further decrease in the coming year.

He termed US' presence in Afghanistan as a "headache" to the region, saying it has no "positive role" to play in the rebuilding of the war-torn nation.(More)