US-Iran flare up: Iran still terms India as friend

New Delhi, July 3 (HS): Amid the ongoing disputes with the US, Iran has called India its friend. Iran said that India would take a decision in its national interest on the issue of oil import. It can play the role of protector for the security of India’s energy. Iranian ambassador in India, Ali Chegeni said his country is ready to supply India with accessible and safe energy.

This statement of Iran is being considered as important now, because US Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo, who recently came to India, had assured that given the current situation, US is taking every possible step to supply oil. Pompeo had said that India has to take tough decisions to reduce the import of oil from Iran.

Chegeni also referred to the statement of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, which he had given during a joint press conference with Pompeo. He said that if Jaishankar talks about the concession, ease and security of energy, then only Iran can fulfill India’s needs.

During the Indo-Iran cultural program, Chegeni said, “We expect a friend to understand each other and give importance to national interest.” Iran is ready to play the role of energy conservator of India.

Chegeni said, “India may stop imports of oil.” But Iran did not get any negative indication from India, to make it clear what would happen next.

He said, “We believe that India is under pressure but India is a friend of Iran. India’s relations with other countries will not affect us. Our relationship with India is based on history; this relationship is based on long-term mutual interests and benefits.

On the possibility of its impact, despite being not under the US sanctions of the Chabahar port project, Chegeni said that it reflects America’s pretense. He says something and does something else. He alleged that America was obstructing the project indirectly.