Tehran: India yesterday (Feb 6, 2007) opposed use of 'anycoercive measures' to resolve Iran's nuclear issue as External Affairs MinisterPranab Mukherjee arrived here on a two-day visit to impart 'greater substanceand strategic content' to bilateral ties.

Undertaking his first visit here as External Affairs Minister, he said Iranhad the right to pursue civil nuclear programme but it should consider theopinion of the international community, including the IAEA.

Energy cooperation will top the agenda of Mukherjee's visit during which hewill ask Tehran to implement the agreement on liquified natural gas (LNG)reached between the two countries in 2005, but was not ratified by the IranianParliament.

Talking about the issue of Iran's nuclear programme, he told journalistsaccompanying him that Tehran has the right to carry out civil nuclear programmebut as an NPT signatory it has certain obligations also.

He said the Iranian leadership should "keep in view the internationalopinion" and of the IAEA.

"Our position is that it (nuclear issue) should be resolved throughdialogue. It cannot be resolved through coercive measures," saidMukherjee, who will hold talks with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottakiand National Security Advisor Ali Lari Jani.