India’s Delicate Dance Over Iran’s Nuclear Programme: Then and

India’s Delicate Dance Over Iran’s Nuclear Programme: Then and Now

Back in 2005, India took a clear stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. At the time, Delhi had just begun negotiations with the United States on its own civilian nuclear deal. Under pressure from Washington, India voted alongside 21 other countries at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), backing a resolution that declared Iran in violation of its safeguards agreement.

That vote, on September 24, 2005, reflected more than just diplomatic alignment—it revealed India’s unease with the idea of a nuclear-armed Iran.

Nearly two decades later, much has changed, but much remains the same. In 2024, when a similar resolution came up, India chose a different path—it abstained. This shift didn’t mean Delhi was any less concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but it showed a more nuanced, careful balancing act.

India today finds itself walking a tighter diplomatic rope than ever—maintaining close ties with both the United States and Israel on one side, while also nurturing its long-standing relationship with Iran on the other. The abstention in 2024 speaks volumes about how India’s foreign policy has matured. It’s no longer about choosing sides, but about keeping all doors open—even in the most delicate of situations.