After meeting with India’s Minister for External Affairs S M Krishna, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has praised the country for cutting down on its crude oil imports from Iran.
Commenting on steps taken by Indian refineries to seek other sources of crude oil other than from Iran, currently India’s second largest supplier, were commended by Clinton, as Iran becomes increasingly targeted by sanctions over its nuclear programme. India is also currently Iran’s second largest customer of crude oil.
Speaking after a three-day visit to the country, Clinton called India a “strong partner", commenting,
"We commend India for the steps its refineries are taking to reduce imports from Iran and we have also been consulting with India and working with them in some areas on alternative sources of supply,"
''We believe, at this moment in time, the principal threat is a nuclear-armed Iran. We need India to be part of the international effort.''
“We also look to India as a partner in the broad international effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The best way to achieve this is...for the international community to stay united and keep the pressure that has brought Iran back to the negotiating table until we reach a peaceful diplomatic resolution.”
India, which used to import around 12%-13% of its crude oil needs from Iran, says it has cut the imports to around 8-9%.
Krishna, however, was careful not to portray the steps as a disciplinary step against Iran, stating that,
"Given our growing demand, it is natural for us to try and diversify our sources of imports of oil and gas to meet the objectives of energy security. Ultimately it reflects the decision that refineries make based on commercial, financial and technical considerations."
He went on to say,
"Iran is a key country for our energy needs but we have to look at the Iran issue beyond the issue of energy trade. In the first place, we have to see security and stability in the Persian Gulf region, India has vital stakes in Persian Gulf region.”
The minister was quick to note that “the issue (Iran) was not a source of discord" between the US and India.
See our earlier post: Sanctions on Iran an opportunity to increase trade – India (10 Feb 2012)
