NEW DELHI (IRNA) -- India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee discussed Iran’s nuclear issue with European Union's High Representative Javier Solana in Hamburg, Germany.

According to an All India Radio report, during the interaction on the sidelines of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), Mukherjee is understood to have emphasized the need for resolving the Iran nuclear issue through dialogue, avoiding use of force.

The discussion between Mukherjee and Solana assumes significance as the EU representative will be holding talks with Iran's chief negotiator Ali Larijani tomorrow.

Iran and the West are locked in a standoff over Tehran's nuclear program and there is a looming possibility of fresh UN Security Council sanctions.

Earlier, the External Affairs Minister voiced strong opposition to any threat or implied threat of use of military or economic force against Tehran, saying it will not yield any positive results.

He told a 45-nation Asia-Europe Meeting in Hamburg that Iran must be engaged purposefully and candidly as threats against or denigration of the country will not work.

Hailing Iran as a country with tremendous natural and human resources, Mukherjee said development of these resources will make the Persian nation a factor for regional security and not the "threat or the implied threat of use of military or economic force".

He, however, underlined that Iran has to be mindful of its international obligations.