India's Decision To Import Iran Oil, Slap On US Face: Nicholas Burns

New Delhi, Feb 21, IRNA -- India's decision to continue importing Iranian oil is a slap on the face of the United States, which is galvanizing the international community to isolate Tehran, according to a former US diplomat who was Bush Administration's point man on Indo-US civilian nuclear deal. 'This is bitterly disappointing news for those of us who have championed a close relationship with India. And, it represents a real setback in the attempt by the last three American Presidents to establish a close and strategic partnership with successive Indian governments,' former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns wrote in an op-ed in current-affairs magazine 'The Diplomat' today’, pti reported. 'India's decision to walk out of step with the international community on Iran isn't just a slap in the face for the US – it raises questions about its ability to lead,' said Burns. India, which relies on Iran for 12 per cent of its oil imports, has refused to scale it down./end