India, Pak discusses gas pipeline project

London: Petroleum ministers of Pakistan and India held talks here on a multi-billion-dollar gas pipeline project involving the two countries and Iran, with both sides expressing their keenness to put it on stream.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora was invited by his Pakistani counterpart Ahsan Ullah Khan to visit Islamabad to sort out various issues outstanding because of which the pipeline project is pending, during their meeting held at Crowne Plaza Hotel here. Deora assured Pakistan Minister that 'India is keen' on 2,775-km pipeline and issues like transit fees and strategic investment should be sorted out.

Ahsan Ullah, who is accompanying President Pervez Musharraf during his visit to Britain, said 'Pakistan is equally keen that project is put on stream.' Though Delhi and Islamabad have reached an understanding on transportation tariff payable to Pakistan, the two nations have not yet arrived at any agreement on payment of a separate transit fee to Pakistan for using its territory.

Three-fourth of pipeline will be passing through Pakistan, which will also use it for providing gas to its consumers. The pipeline is to be laid in three nations separately. Iran would lay a 1,100-km pipeline from Gulf to Iran-Pakistan border, while Pakistan would lay a 1,035km from its border with Iran to Indian border.