Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on Monday said India favoured diplomacy being given more time to resolve the Iran nuclear issue.

"We are not part of any international effort for any regime change in our region," Dr Singh said, replying to clarifications in the Rajya Sabha on the Iran issue.

Iran is trying to enrich uranium, which can be used to develop nuclear weapons.

• Nothing can stop nuclear drive: Iran

Singh said the issue also figured during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin [Images] on Saturday night.

Most of the world powers want Iran to be referred to the United Nations Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions on Tehran if it is found to have breached its international commitments.

Russia [Images] has been holding talks with Iran and has offered to enrich uranium on Russian soil under international safeguards.

"Our emphasis, and sincere desire, is that this matter should be resolved without any recourse to coercive methods and any sort of confrontation and diplomacy must be given adequate space," he said.

He added that President Putin shared his views.

• Column: Let's not forsake Iran

To another question, Dr Singh said, "I have stated very clearly that we do not stand for confrontation. Confrontation is not in the interest of our country and confrontation is not in the interest of the Gulf region.

"We want peace and stability to be comprehensive in this region. It will be our effort to work with other like-minded countries including members of Non-Aligned Movement to ensure mutually satisfactory resolution of this complex problem. Diplomacy must be given time to succeed," he said.

In September, India had voted in favour of an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution that set up Iran for future referral to the UNSC.