There are two other issues at hand. One is about the next round of UN sanctions against Iran and the other is about the implications of a nuclear Iran for its Arab neighbours.

Delhi should recognize that it has no real influence on the sanctions debate, which will be resolved on the basis of a bargain between the US, Russia and China. If and when the trio arrive at a deal, India has no choice but to follow. India's priority here is to protect its larger equities in the gathering conflict between Iran and the world.

India, however, can make some difference to the other issue--the future of the balance of power in the Gulf. The Arabs don't want a nuclear Iran that might destroy the current equilibrium in the Gulf. But they are also afraid of a US-Iran conflict that could destabilize the region.

This is the moment for India to reach out to Arab Kingdoms, offer solid security assurances and expand military cooperation with them. Bold diplomatic initiatives in the Gulf are far more consequential for India than all the "principled" statements it might make on Iran and the NPT at the UN and in the Indian Parliament.

(C Raja Mohan is Henry A Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Library of Congress, Washington DC)