India Monday urged the international community to avoid a confrontation with Iran over its nuclear programme, saying it could worsen tensions in the region.
"We remain hopeful that a solution acceptable to all sides will be found, we do not favour confrontation," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told parliament before a crucial meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna later Monday.
"India has consistently stated that all sides must work to find a mutually acceptable compromise solution and that confrontation should be avoided at all costs.
"For this to be possible, time must be given for diplomacy to work," he said.
"We do not favour confrontation, rhetoric or coercive measures as these only exacerbate tensions in the region and beyond," Singh warned. "Confrontation is not in the interest of India or our region."
India last month voted with 26 other nations to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over its nuclear program, which the United States asserts is a cover for trying to develop atomic weapons.
It was the second time New Delhi voted for pressure on Tehran to halt its nuclear programme, which Iran insists is for peaceful purposes.
The ruling Indian coalition's communist allies, on whose support the government relies for its sshington. On India's position taken up.
"The government's approach will be based on our consistent policy of promoting efforts for a resolution of issues through dialogue and discussions."
Singh said he had discussed the IAEA meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the weekend.
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