India-Iran to discuss Pakistan sponsored terrorism

By Naveen Kapoor, New Delhi, Nov.3 : Cross Border terrorism emanating from Pakistan is expected to top the
agenda of talks between foreign ministers of India and Iran due to be held in mid-November in the national capital.

After India and Afghanistan, Iran has become the latest neighbourhood victim of Pakistan sponsored terrorism; recently suicide bomber killed 29 people, including several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders, in southeastern Iran.

Pakistan-based Jundollah (or, God's soldiers), ethnic Baluch Sunni insurgents are believed to be behind the attacks.

India has been crying hoarse over the Pakistan sponsored terrorism for almost two decades.

According to diplomatic sources, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, is expected to hold talks with SM Krishna on Nov.16. It will be the first high-level interaction between the two countries after re-election of UPA government in New Delhi and Ahmadinejad Government in
Tehran.

The issue of the 1,724-mile long proposed IPI pipeline, which was planned to run through Iran, Pakistan and India, is also likely to figure during the talks.

Although India has not officially pulled out from the peace pipeline project but it has already expressed apprehensions over Transit fee, pricing, security and logistical issues surrounding the proposed trilateral project.

Iranian envoy in New Delhi recently reminded and extended invitation to India to join the project and has even cautioned that China is keen in joining the pipeline project. Iran and Pakistan have already sealed the agreement and are going ahead with the project.

Interestingly, Motttaki is visiting India just before Prime Minister leaves on a State visit to the United States.

India and Iran share deep historical and cultural relations. And, as per diplomatic sources, Washington wants New Delhi to use its influence and bring Iran onboard vis-à-vis its controversial nuclear programme.

According to sources, India and Iran are also expected to increase cooperation in the rehabilitation of Afghanistan.

Relations between India and Iran have been a sea-saw relationship with the most difficult time in their relations coming when India voted against Iran at the IAEA in 2005 and 2006.

--ANI