India needs to double its installed power capacity in addition to meeting its other energy needs (automotive, industrial etc)in the next one decade or so. In that context India's vote against Iran has not been in our own national interest.
Natwar and Manmohan should have shown greater maturity in the conduct of our diplomacy. In international relations there are no moral issues involved there are only amoral decisions to be taken.
All this talk of "India acted in Irans best interests" is a bit childish way of defending ourselves. After all who are we to decide what is in Irans best interests?
Irans desire to partner with India comes from its strategy of developing strong economic relations with key nations that have the economic and political wherewithal to take a stand against the western coalition. This explains why Iran is also developing strong relations with China and Russia.
The diplomatic doctors of New Delhi failed to recognise this. Instead in their anxiety to get a "pat on the shoulders from uncle Sam" they have not only compromised on the independence of our nuclear policy but also on our economic options with regards to energy security.
