India tells Iran decision on buying oil after elections

Sources said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reiterated to visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Javed Zarif India's position that a decision will be taken on the purchase of oil from his country keeping in mind the commercial considerations, energy security and economic interests.

Zarif's visit took place on his own iniative to brief the Indian side on the Iranaian approach to the recent developments in the region including on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (on Iran rolling back its parts of its nuclear programme in exchange for end of some sanctions) and to review bilateral cooperation.

This was part of their consultation with other countries in the region including Russia, China, Turkmenistan and Iraq over the last few days.

 

Zarif recalled the steps announced by President Rouhani on May 8 including decisions linked to the export of enriched material and heavy water. He mentioned that 60 days timeline has been given to EU-3 and other parties to JCPOA for estoring the oil and banking channels.

The sources said India's position on JCPOA was reiterated. India would like all parties to the agreement to continue to fulfill their commitments and all parties should engage constructively and resolve all issues peacefully and through dialogue.

Both the sides shared their views on the situation in Afghanistan and agreed to maintain close coordination on the evolving situation.

Last week, US Trade Secretary Wilbur Ross was in New Delhi to urge India not to do business with Iran and promised to help ensure oil supplies from countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.