International - India & World   

Gas pipeline talks in final stage: Iran

Dubai: Talks on the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project are in the final stage where the technical aspects are being looked into, according to Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Reza Kasai’i Zadeh.

“The technical aspects of the transportation of gas to India and Pakistan are currently under study,” he said in an interview with the Mehr news agency.

“Iran and Pakistan are currently negotiating on how to transfer gas and the final talks over the issue are under way with the special deputy of the Oil Ministry,” the Iranian minister said.

The gas pipeline has a capacity of 110 billion cubic metres, of which 50 million cubic metres are for local consumption and around 60 million cubic metres are set for export.

“About 40 to 50 per cent of the phase one construction is done and accordingly we are hopeful to complete the project within the one-year limit,” said Nosratollah Seifi, Managing Director of National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC).

India and Iran will discuss the progress on the gas pipeline project when Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari undertakes a visit to New Delhi from Friday.

Mr. Safari is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Petroleum Minister Murli Deora during his stay.

The two sides are expected to discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties, with focus on implementing the proposed projects like the IPI gas pipeline.

Mr. Safari’s visit will come close on the heels of Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed’s trip to Iran, marking continuity of high-level contacts between the two countries. — PTI

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Adjournment may pose complications to Musharraf’s candidacy: lawyer
China, U.S. pledge to foster ties
A day of test for democracy: PML (N)
World wants Iraq occupation to end
Growing fears for Fosset’s safety
Hurricane destroys homes, kills 18 in Nicaragua
Facebook for spooks
Shift in landscape of global economy
Indra Sinha shortlisted for Man Booker Prize
Gas pipeline talks in final stage: Iran

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu