The Hindu Business Line : We are committed to pipeline project, say India, Pakistan

The Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr Murli Deora, with his Pakistani counterpart, Mr Amanullah Khan Jadoon, in the Capital on Friday. The Pakistani Minister is here for talks on the multi-billion dollar gas pipeline from Iran to India through Pakistan. - Kamal Narang

New Delhi , Feb. 17

INDIA has reiterated its commitment to the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project with the Petroleum Minister, Mr Murli Deora, saying that the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, had conveyed his fullest support to the project.

In identical suo motu statements in both Houses of Parliament, the Prime Minister on Friday said "we are committed to the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline. The economics of this project are currently under professional investigation by internationally reputed consultants. This is a necessary step in taking the pipeline project forward."

Briefing media persons after a ministerial level meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Mr Amanullah Khan Jadoon, the Petroleum Minister said both the countries agreed that the project was of vital importance, as it would serve the economic development of the three countries involved. Pakistan's Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister had also met Dr Manmohan Singh earlier in the day.

The two Ministers accompanied by high-level delegations had in-depth discussions on various aspects, including the project structure and the price of gas. The two sides agreed that these two important issues had to be resolved consensually as quickly as possible so that the tripartite framework agreement could be finalised.

In this context, the two sides agreed that their officials would participate in a tripartite meeting being convened by Iran during March 13-15, after which the Ministers of the three countries would meet in Tehran in April to address the outstanding issues, Mr Deora said.

Pakistan's Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister said "we need energy. We are very serious about the project."

A joint press statement released after the two-hour deliberations between Mr Deora and Mr Jadoon, said "the two ministers agreed that the IPI project was important to both countries in respect of their energy security interests and reiterated the desire of the two countries to accelerate the process of dialogue and consultation to realise the project in the shortest possible time."

Pakistan also welcomed India's participation in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pak pipeline (TAP) project as a full member. India had participated for the first time as an `observer' at the ninth meeting of the steering committee of TAP pipeline project. The two sides have also agreed to pursue the Gulf-South Asia pipeline project from Qatar.

More Stories on : Infrastructure | Foreign Relations | Petroleum

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page