It has blamed the US for giving birth to the concept of terrorism (Taliban) in Afghanistan, the plan for which was executed by Pakistan and financed by the Arab countries.

Secretary, Supreme Security Council of Iran, Dr Saeed Jalil speaking at an interactive session organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) here on Wednesday said “Iran has close and favourable relationship with India. The negotiations for North-South Corridor and the use of Chabahar for export of Indian goods to as far as Europe are the best examples of our growing relationship.”

He said that Iran would continue to defend India’s rights in the global fora.

Dr Jalil is expected to have discussions with the National Security Advisor of India, Shivshankar Menon on Thursday.

He came down heavily on the US and asked to clarify its concept of democracy and terrorism.

He alleged “some powers define terrorism keeping in view their own interests. They support it when it suits them and condemn it when it turns against their interests.”

Dr Jalil said the situation in Afghanistan was an example. “Initially the US gave birth to the concept of terrorism in Afghanistan, the pan for which was executed by Pakistan and financed by the Arab countries,” he said.

“Afterwards when forces (NATO forces) occupied Afghanistan on the pretext of combating terrorism they could not clear the country of terrorism even after 10 years of occupation and peace process. Terrorism still remains in the country and smuggling of narcotics continues. Narcotic production has increased from 2 million tone to 8 million tonne,” Dr Jalil said.

He said that the same was the case with Syria. “The terrorists are moving towards Syria,” he said

He blamed the West for promoting so-called democracy through armed struggle. He suggested the best way to deal with the Syrian crisis was to allow democracy to take roots through people’s mandate, without foreign interference. He pleaded for humanitarian aid to Syria.

He blamed the Western powers in “their selective approach in defining the rights of the nations.”

Dr Jalil said that Iran as a responsible member of IAEA and NPT Treaty would like the world to proceed towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

He said that Iran attended several rounds of P5+1 negotiation, the last one of which took place in Moscow six months back. Iran presented specific proposals and was waiting for response.

He said that many European and US companies were against sanctions imposed by the West on Iran.