As concern grew over the amendment to be introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer to ban any military-to-military contact between India and Iran, the Coalition for Partnership with India send out an SOS to Senators imploring them to reject this amendment.
The coalition warned that if it is accepted, it will kill the US-India civilian nuclear deal.
In their alert, the CPI said, "the Boxer Amendment would kill the bill and likely lead to more extensive India-Iranian relations."
They argued: "This is not the proper vehicle by which to punish Iran. This was not part of the bargain India stuck with the United States."
The CPI said, "If you want to discourage India from cooperation with Iran, the best way is to build and cultivate a relationship with India."
They pointed out that India is already cooperating with the US concerning Iran's nuclear program. "India voted with the United States at the IAEA against Iran," they reminded the Senators.