US ado over Iranian ship

NEW DELHI: An Iranian naval ship stopped in Cochin in February for what is technically known as a port call, ahead of President George W Bush’s landmark visit to India. This stopover has now upset the US.

According to reports from Washington, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran had to answer tough questions on the event from Democratic Senator Tom Lantos, who assumed that this meant India had defence relations with Iran.

Saran assured Lantos that a port call by an Iranian ship did not mean Iranian naval personnel were being trained in India.

Saran, who had gone to Washington last week to shore up support for the Indo-US nuclear deal, had an uphill task trying to convince some members of Congress, who questioned him closely on India’s ties with Iran.

India has not shied away from its stand that it has deep civilisational links with Iran. Indian officials admitted on Saturday that the Iranian ship had docked in Cochin before President Bush arrived in New Delhi.

While denying any defence ties with Iran, India said it has long had good relations with Iran. Former President Mohammed Khatami was the guest of honour at India’s Republic Day parade a few years back. The Iranian vice-president was in Delhi last week. India also considers Iran an important partner for its energy needs and has held talks on energy security with Tehran.

“This does not mean we have close defence ties with Iran,” an Indian official, who did not wish to be identified, said.