On Board Air India One: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee held detailed discussions with world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Tony Blair in St Petersburg on the current developments relating to Iran and Iraq.

There was a distinction impression for the Indian side that a US military action on the lines of Iraq was not being thought of against Iran and that issues could be resolved through discussion.

Authoritative sources accompanying the Prime Minister said that leaders ruled out use of force in Iran. In fact, a dialogue between the US and Iran was possible and that could resolve problems.

India feels that the US fears about Iran related to the alleged support of Teheran to al Qaida elements, presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction and 'reforms' in Iran.

PTI