JAKARTA - India Tuesday said it agreed with the goal of the United States to prevent Iran menbuat nuclear weapons, but insists the Islamic republic remains an "important source of oil".
India, of which 12 percent of oil imports from Iran last year, said it was reducing oil imports even though Iran insists New Delhi would not join the efforts led by the U.S. and Europe to reduce Tehran's oil revenues.
"We have a strong desire in a peaceful and negotiated settlement of issues concerning Iran's nuclear program," said Foreign Minister SM Krishna in a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Krishna claimed that Iran "remains an important source of oil for us" and said the reduction was: "Ultimately, the decision was made with commercial considerations, financial and technical assistance related to oil refineries."
"The issue is not a source of friction between our two countries," he asserted.
India, which is highly dependent on energy imports, remained the biggest buyer of Iranian oil.
Hillary respects India due to reduced imports of Iranian oil and said the United States is discussing with India on how to look for alternative sources of energy demand requirements.
"The U.S. and India agree on a common goal: we want to prevent Iran having a nuclear weapon," said Clinton, who called India a "strong partner".
Clinton said Carlos Pascual, U.S. envoy for Iranian oil affairs, will visit India next week to negotiate a follow-up.
Under the new law, the U.S. will impose sanctions that began June 28 on the banks of the countries that are still buying Iranian oil. The U.S. State Department to free the countries of the European Union and Japan.
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