Tuesday, August 8 2006 10:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India yesterday (Aug 7, 2006) termed as unjustified the US decision to impose sanctions on its two companies, asserting that they had committed no violation of the domestic regulations or the country's international obligations.

"The sanctions imposed by the US government on the two Indian firms relate to transfer of some chemicals to Iran. Our preliminary assessment is that the transfer of such chemicals was not in violation of our regulations or our international obligations," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said here.

In this context, he said "The imposition of sanctions against Balaji Amines and Prachi Poly Productions is not justified."

The US announced on Friday sanctions against two Indian companies and five firms of other countries.

The MEA spokesman noted that Indian government's commitment to prevent onward proliferation is second to none.

The government has instituted a rigorous system of export controls and the country's track record in this regard is well known, he said.

The spokesman said India was working with the international community, including with the US as a partner against proliferation.

The sanctions came into effect on July 28.

The measure, imposed for an initial period of two years, bars US government agencies from purchasing any goods or services or providing any assistance to the seven firms.