The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) Monday urged the Congress-led government in India to resist American pressures to stop oil imports from Iran over its enriched uranium program.

The central committee of the party, which met in New Delhi for three days, also criticized the government for presenting what it called an "anti-people" rail budget.

"The U.S. administration is mounting pressure on India to cut back its oil purchases from Iran and to stop trade with that country. Notwithstanding the official stance of the government that it will continue to buy oil from Iran, there has been substantial reduction in oil imports from that country in the current year," the party observed.

It demanded that the government maintain its trade relations with Iran and resist American pressures which were against the vital interests of the country.

The CPI-M felt that the proposals contained in the Union Budget of 2012-13 would result in all-round price rise and the imposition of greater burdens on the working people. The increase in excise duties and service taxes across the board will impose an additional burden of 459.40 billion rupees (9.2 billion U.S. dollars)

"The cut in fuel subsidy of 250 billion rupees (5 billion U.S. dollars) will lead to further hikes in fuel prices. The cut in subsidies to fertilizers by 60 billion rupees (1.2 billion U.S. dollars) will add to the already high prices of fertilisers and affect the livelihood of millions of farmers.

"In the railway budget, there is a hike in passenger fares for all classes. The rise in fares of second class and sleeper class is particularly onerous and the decision should be reversed," said the statement.