India's decision to import Iran oil a slap on US face - Nicholas
Burns
India: India's decision to continue importing Iranian oil is a
slap on the face of the United States, which is galvanising the
international community to isolate Tehran, according to a former US
diplomat who was Bush Administration's pointman on Indo-US civilian
nuclear deal.
"This is bitterly disappointing news for those of us who have
championed a close relationship with India. And, it represents a real
setback in the attempt by the last three American Presidents to
establish a close and strategic partnership with successive Indian
governments," former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
Nicholas Burns wrote in an op-ed in current-affairs magazine 'The
Diplomat' today.
"India's decision to walk out of step with the international
community on Iran isn't just a slap in the face for the US - it raises
questions about its ability to lead," said Burns.
India, which relies on Iran for 12 per cent of its oil imports, has
refused to scale it down.
Only recently, Burns had written an op-ed in The Boston Globe arguing
that the US should commit to an ambitious, long-term strategic
partnership with India.
"I remain convinced of its value to both countries and to the new
global balance of power being created in this century," he wrote.
"With its unhelpfulness on Iran and stonewalling on implementation of
the landmark US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, however, the Indian
government is now actively impeding the construction of the strategic
relationship it says it wants with the United States," Burns said.
Presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush have met India more than
halfway in offering concrete and highly visible commitments on issues
India cares about, he said, adding unfortunately India has made no
corresponding gesture in return for the big vision that Obama and Bush
have offered.
Hindustani Times |