India has defended its vote at the International Atomic Energy Agency to adopt a resolution that could see New Delhi's traditional ally, Iran, referred to the U.N. Security Council for its controversial nuclear program.
In a surprise move on Saturday, India joined other nuclear powers, such as the United States, Britain and France, in backing the resolution at the IAEA's governing board meeting.
The Indian Foreign Ministry said Sunday that U.S. pressure played no part in the decision and that New Delhi would press ahead with a major pipeline deal with Tehran.
The two countries said earlier this month that a framework agreement should be completed by the end of the year for the more than $4 billion pipeline to send Iranian gas to India through Pakistan.
Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AP.
