New Delhi:
A day after US President Barack Obama in his address to joint session of Parliament made references to Iran and Burma, government sources have said that there can be no bargaining game on Iran and Burma issues.
They said India's position is based on national and strategic interests, adding India needs to engage Burma for our security interests. The sources, however, said this doesn't mean this position is anti-American.
"How can India play brain dead when a country north of Burma is active there?" the sources added.
Situation in Burma is very complex, and we have to deal with it as an immediate neighbor, the sources said.
Reacting to Obama's comments on Iran, sources said, "We have a civilisational link with Iran that just cannot be erased."
They also reacted on Pakistan's opposition to US endorsement for a permanent seat for India on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying India doesn't need lessons on morality from Pakistan.