INDIA WILL URGE IRAN TO COOPERATE WITH THE EU3

S E C R E T NEW DELHI 008681

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/15/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL MNUC PARM IN IR
SUBJECT: INDIA WILL URGE IRAN TO COOPERATE WITH THE EU3
DURING THE IRANIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER'S VISIT

Classified By: Charge Robert Blake, Jr., for Reasons 1.4 (B, D)


1. Charge took the opportunity presented by the scheduled
meeting between Special Advisor for UN Reform Shirin
Tahir-Kheli and Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran to express
concern to Saran about the visit on November 17 of Iranian
Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari. The Charge noted that
the EU3 negotiations with Iran are at a particularly delicate
state, and therefore it is important that India maintain
private and public pressure on Iran to accept the deal that
is on the table.


2. Saran confirmed press reports that Safari is indeed
coming to Delhi on November 17 for a two day visit to meet
with MEA officials, including Secretary Rajiv Sikri. He said
the GOI does not plan to issue a detailed press statement at
the conclusion of the visit. With respect to India's private
message, Saran noted that India would tell Iran that it
should avoid isolation, that the way forward is for both
sides to show flexibility, and that India hopes Iran will
take the advice of the EU3 and its other friends.
MULFORD