India's position regarding Iran in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been complex and nuanced, reflecting a balance between its strategic interests and international obligations.
- In 2005, India voted against Iran in the IAEA resolution concerning Iran's nuclear program, aligning with the United States and other Western countries. This vote was significant because India is a leading member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which generally supports Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy. India's decision was seen as a departure from NAM's stance and was reportedly influenced by India's emerging strategic partnership with the US, including the 2005 US-India nuclear deal. The vote surprised Iran and was viewed by some as coerced or politically motivated to align with US interests
- Despite this, India has maintained close bilateral relations with Iran, including energy cooperation such as LNG imports and discussions on pipelines. India's oil imports from Iran constitute a small fraction of its total imports, allowing it some flexibility in its stance
- India’s official stance has been that while it respects Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, it expects Iran to fulfill its international obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and IAEA safeguards. India has supported the IAEA's role in monitoring Iran's nuclear activities but has also been cautious about escalating the issue to the UN Security Council, preferring diplomatic engagement
- More recently, the IAEA has reported ongoing concerns about Iran's cooperation and transparency regarding undeclared nuclear materials and sites. India, as a member of the IAEA Board of Governors, participates in discussions but has not taken a confrontational stance against Iran akin to Western powers. Some states, including China and Russia, have supported Iran’s position for resolving issues in a depoliticized manner
In summary, India’s position in the IAEA on Iran reflects a careful balancing act: it aligns with global non-proliferation norms and its strategic partnership with the US, while maintaining its bilateral ties and energy interests with Iran, advocating for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy but urging compliance with international safeguards
