New Delhi, July 14
India today expressed grave concern over reports suggesting the imminent use of military force against Iran and said a military strike on the Islamic nation would have ‘disastrous consequences’ for the entire region, affecting the lives and livelihood of five million Indians in the Gulf and the world economy.
“India is gravely concerned at these statements threatening the use of military force against Iran. India is against any such military attack, which constitutes unacceptable international behaviour,” an external affairs ministry spokesman said in response to a question.
The spokesman said there was
no military solution to the issues that were being discussed between Iran and the international community. “India continues to support negotiations and diplomacy, rather than the threat or use of force... India calls upon all concerned Governments to exercise restraint and choose the peaceful path of persuasion and negotiations.”
The ministry, in another statement, denied a news report carried by a television channel describing comments of foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon regarding the involvement of the Haqqani network in the Indian Embassy blast in Kabul.
“The MEA would like to clarify that this news report is completely false and professionally dishonest,” the statement said.
