India will take a decision on oil imports from Iran at end of the month, following the results of Lok Sabha elections 2019, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj conveyed to his visiting Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif. During the hour-long discussion between the two Foreign Ministers, Swaraj underscored that New Delhi’s decision will be based on its “commercial and economic interests”.
Talks between the two sides came 12 days after the US ended six-month-long exemptions from sanctions to India and seven other countries to buy oil from Iran.
Zarif’s visit here came amid escalating face-off between Iran and the United States on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Official sources said Swaraj reiterated the position that a decision will be taken after the elections based on commercial considerations, energy security and economic interests.
In the meeting, Zarif recalled the steps announced by President Hassan Rouhani on May 8 including decisions linked to the export of enriched uranium and heavy water, the sources said.
The Iranian Foreign Minister also mentioned that 60 days timeline has been given to EU-3 and other parties to Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA for restoring Iran’s oil and banking channels, the sources said.
In a televised address, Rouhani had on May 8 said that Iran would suspend some parts of its “commitments” to the JCPOA, but will not fully withdraw from it.
In the meeting with Zarif, the Indian side reiterated its position on JCPOA and said New Delhi would like all parties to continue to fulfill their commitments and that they should engage constructively to the issues peacefully, the sources said.
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