Wednesday, November 9 2005 13:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Seeking to clear the air on India's position on Iran's nuclear programme at the forthcoming meeting in Vienna, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday (Nov 8, 2005) said that intense consultations were underway with various countries to arrive at a consensus.

"Talks are on with a lot of countries (ahead of the November 24 meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors) to evolve a consensus," Singh said at a press conference here when asked about India's stand and controversial remarks made by K Natwar Singh a day before he was relieved of the External Affairs Ministry portfolio.

Singh hoped that consensus would be reached whereby there won't be any need for voting on the issue.

Natwar Singh had created ripples by stating that he would favour revision of India's vote on Iran nuclear programme at the IAEA meet if a resolution stronger than the one placed in September was put forward.

India had gone along with the US and EU in voting against Iran at the September meeting, triggering strong protests by United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Left allies. Government had contended that its decision helped avert the Iran issue being immediately referred to the UN Security Council.

It had also gained more time for diplomatic efforts to arrive at a consensus so that the issue was not sent to the Security Council.