India on Friday said Iran has a right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, even in terms of enrichment.

It said a 'degree of flexibility' was possible in exercising that right.

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said enough time was required to allow diplomatic efforts to resolve Iran's nuclear issue and India was encouraging the European Union and Russia [Images] to help in accomplishing this.

Two days ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's [Images] visit to Russia where the issue is likely to be discussed, Saran said Moscow [Images] was well placed unlike New Delhi [Images] in dealing with the issue as it has 'fairly significant energy cooperation' with Tehran.

"We respect Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Even in terms of enrichment, it has certain right. But in terms of exercising that right, perhaps a degree of flexibility is possible," he said.

Noting that the positions of India and Russia on Iran nuclear issue were 'almost the same', he said 'we have taken a view that this matter be resolved within the ambit of IAEA itself. We have also said that enough time be allowed for diplomatic efforts to be really made to resolve this issue'.

Saran said India welcomed Russia's role is playing in terms of trying to bring about a resolution of the issue.

"There is nothing for us to get associated with in terms of negotiations," the Foreign Secretary said, adding, "We are encouraging the European Union to resume consultations with Iran and these are likely to take place shortly."

He said India was also encouraging Russia to play a role in finding a mutually acceptable solution to the issue.