As Iran’s government went into collision course with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), India’s abstention vote during an IAEA board of governors meeting this week is being seen as a significant show of support for Tehran, and a reassertion of its “non-aligned” stance as seen on its policy on Russia and the war in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, India was one of only three countries, other than Pakistan and Libya who abstained from the resolution criticising Iran for flouting IAEA requests for inspections of its nuclear programme and other processes. Of the 35-nation Board of Governors of the IAEA, 30 countries voted for the resolution brought by US and “E-3” nations U.K., Germany and France, while Russia and China voted against it.
“India’s vote was expected, given that the Iranian Foreign Minister was in town. It is also consistent with recent statements by the government in terms of asserting independent foreign policy choices,” said former Ambassador and special envoy on nuclear issues Rakesh Sood, adding that the abstention marks a “middle ground” between the positions taken by the US and Europe vis-a-vis Russia and China.
