Wednesday, February 22 2006 17:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Government today (Feb 22 2006) said imposition of sanctions by the United States on two Indian companies for export of some chemicals to Iran is not justified.

The US Government on December 27, 2005 announced imposition of sanctions on Sabero Organics Gujarat Ltd and Sandhya Organics and Chemicals Ltd under its Iran Non-Proliferation Act, 2000 for the export of some chemicals to Iran, Minister of state in External Affairs Anand Sharma told Lok Sabha in a written reply.

The imposition of sanctions by the US on Indian firms, which in our view have not acted in violation of Indian laws or regulations is not justified, he said.

Government of India's commitment to prevent onward proliferation is well acknowledged, Sharma said, adding a rigorous system of export controls is in place.