New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) India has backed Iran's request for membership of the SAARC but is waiting to see if the other seven members also accept Tehran's application.
"India has no problems with Iran's request to join the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). But we have to see whether the other countries support Tehran," a senior official said.
The issue of Iran's membership of the SAARC would be taken up at the 14th SAARC summit to be held here April 3-4.
Earlier this month, Iran formally sought full membership of SAARC, arguing that because of its unique geographical position and economical strength such a move would be beneficial to both sides.
Afghanistan will be included as the eighth member of the SAARC at the summit next week.
The US, China, Japan, South Korea and the European Union will be participating as observers for the first time.
Sources say the US may use its clout to influence other countries not to support Tehran's candidature. All decisions in SAARC are taken on the basis of consensus among member states and a lone dissenting voice can play the spoiler.