A roundtable discussion on Friday regarding India’s vote against Iran’s nuclear development marked the beginning of a monthly India discussion.

Vice Provost Ved Nanda chaired the roundtable and held a discussion about India’s history, its contemporary significance and its vote in the United Nations against Iran’s nuclear development.

The roundtable discussion addressed India’s relationship with the U.S. and if it may have affected India’s vote.

“India and the U.S. have so much in common,” said Nanda after stating that the U.S. and India relationship is mutually beneficial and long standing.

Nanda also addressed India’s competition with China.

“Uncertain is how India and China will relate with each other,” said Nanda. According to Nanda, both countries are in competition for economic superiority in Asia.

The roundtable was attended by 20 people. Nanda urged the audience to participate in open discussions, questions and debate

The discussion panel was the first of a planned, “India Update.”

The “India Update” was started by law student Devang Vyas and graduate international studies student Pooja Chaturvedi.

Currently they plan to have India updates every month.

Vyas hopes to have next month’s topic be about President George Bush’s planned visit to India and how it will affect U.S. and India relations.