New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) The Indian government Wednesday said its energy security was not linked to its ties with the US and asked its Communist allies not to "politicise" international projects but assess them on "merit and economic viability."
In a note to Left parties, which lend outside support to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's ruling coalition, the government categorically said that New Delhi would not go in for "massive arms purchases from the US."
While reiterating its commitment to the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, the note said: "It is not correct to say the government has 'virtually shelved' the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline due to Washington's opposition."
"India remains committed to the project and has actively participated in a number of technical level meetings on the project," the Prime Minister's Office said in the 19-page note.
The note was a reply to a nine-page assessment by the Left Front on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government that took office May 22, 2004.
The note also warned the Left parties that the issue could not be politicised. "It is necessary to assess the economic viability of the project on merits, since large and long-term financial commitments are involved."
Pointing out that the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline project does not as yet include India, the government said its decision to participate would be based on "a careful assessment of economic viability of the project."
"One is not a substitute for the other. India can use all energy resources it can get but at affordable prices. The US has no role in these decisions," the note said categorically.
The Communists had alleged that the government had shelved Iran pipeline due to pressure from the US. The nine-page not had severely criticised the government for its "biased foreign policy."
The government also justified the defence cooperation with the US saying that it was no different from similar cooperation with other countries.
"India is not going in for massive arms purchase from the US. In fact, our policy is to source equipment and technology for our armed forces from reliable and cost-effective sources."
"Any prospective sources, including the US, would have to fulfil the very transparent criteria we have established and participate in a rigorous bidding pricess."
Reiterating its stance on New Delhi's ties with Israel, the government said: "We have stated clearly and unambiguously that we support the right of the states of Israel and Palestine to live in peace within well-defined and secure borders and have never supported the policies of violence and terrorism."