Iran has long been considered one of India's key allies in the Muslim world. But relations between the two countries have been adrift since India voted against Iran at the IAEA, in 2005 and 2006. Taken aback by India's position, the Islamic republic responded by blocking already contracted shipments of liquid natural gas (LNG) on the grounds that the price needed to be renegotiated. The move effectively downgraded the Indo-Iranian energy relationship, with Iran subsequently making noises about building a gas pipeline to China, even as Saudi Arabia's importance as an energy supplier to India continues to grow.
However, the visit of
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki to New Delhi on Nov. 16-17 could be a sign that Iran is once again seeking India's support more actively. Just a week after Mottaki's visit, on Nov. 27, Iran was faced with a third vote of censure at the IAEA, for failing to declare the enrichment facility at Fordow. Co-sponsored by China and Russia -- two countries previously perceived to be soft on Iran's nuclear activities -- the resolution, which passed overwhelmingly, left Iran without visible support in the P5+1, comprised of the five permanent members of the U.N Security Council and Germany. ...