NEW DELHI/TOKYO -- Caught in the crossfire between the U.S. and Iran, India is trying to manage relations on both fronts. New Delhi refused to fully comply with U.S. sanctions reimposed on Iran in an inaugural ministerial dialogue between the countries' top foreign and defense policymakers on Sept. 6, creating a potential source of friction.
Internal politics were largely behind India's decision to spurn the U.S. request for a ban on oil imports from Iran. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot afford to bow to the demand and allow domestic energy prices to rise.
