Putting sanctions regime in place, India bans export of tech Iran may use for nukes

India today imposed a ban on export of any material and technology to Iran that could be used in development of its nuclear weapons and delivery systems.

India today imposed a ban on export of any material and technology to Iran that could be used in development of its nuclear weapons and delivery systems. The decision is in compliance with last year’s UN Security Council resolution.

As first reported by The Sunday Express, at an inter-ministerial meeting organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, it was decided that notifications would be issued by the Foreign Ministry and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), enumerating the kind of restrictions to be observed with Iran.

The notification issued by the DGFT states: “Direct or indirect export and import of all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Iran’s enrichment-related, reprocessing or heavy water related activities, or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems… whether or not originating in Iran to/from Iran is prohibited”.

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However, there will be some exceptions such as equipment meant for light water reactors and low-enriched uranium when it is incorporated in assembled nuclear fuel elements for such reactors.

Iran’s nuclear issue has been a bone of contention in domestic politics for the UPA government, with the Left having opposed New Delhi’s position at the IAEA board of governors meeting, well before the UN deliberations.

The Security Council had voted to impose sanctions against Iran, banning supply of nuclear-related technology and materials.

The resolution demanded that Tehran should end all uranium enrichment work which can produce nuclear fuel.

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Iran says its programme is for peaceful purposes and has vowed to continue.