India says it would like the dispute over Iran's nuclear program to be resolved through negotiations at the International Atomic Energy Agency, not the United Nations Security Council.

Manmohan Singh (file photo)

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told reporters in New Delhi Wednesday that the matter should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.

The five permanent members of the Security Council have agreed to bring Iran before the powerful body. But some other key nations have indicated they want to avoid going to the Council.

Mr. Singh declined to specify India's stand on a possible Security Council referral. He said he will review the issue in the "national interest."

In September, New Delhi voted with the United States on an earlier IAEA resolution that could have led to Iran's referral to the Council. But the Indian government was severely criticized for that by its left-wing political allies at home.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.