India to Decide on Iran Crude Imports After Polls

Date: 15 May 2019 - 21:26

News ID: ۶۶۰۳۰

NEW DELHI (Dispatches) - External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that her country will take a call on purchase of Iranian energy after the general election.
The discussions come in the backdrop of escalating tensions in thePersian Gulf after the U.S. waivers for supply of Iranian energy ended on May 2.
"On purchase of oil from Iran, External Affairs Minister reiterated the position that a decision will be taken after the elections keeping in mind our commercial considerations, energy security and economic interests,” said a source familiar with the discussion held between the two sides at the Jawaharlal Nehru Bhavan.
The Indian side said the visit of the Iranian foreign minister was undertaken "at his own initiative” to update about the developments in the Persian Gulf region.
After Tuesday’s meeting, Zarif described the talks he held in India and Turkmenistan as "excellent”.
Indicating continued energy trade, Zarif  said Tehran and New Delhi have devised plans to ensure supply. "The two sides have designed a special financial system to augment trade and economic cooperation,” he said. However, India has not announced any such plans as yet.
India and Iran also "expressed satisfaction” at the operationalisation of the interim contract between India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO).