Iran Invites India, China to Join Gas Pipeline Project

Iran’s deputy minister for international and commercial affairs Ali Majedi has called on India to join an under-construction pipeline projected to carry natural gas from Iran to Pakistan.

He said Iran expects India to get over its doubts and join the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, adding that given the initial design of the pipeline, even China can join this project.

“If India joins the pipeline, the interests of all three countries – Pakistan, India and Iran – will be guaranteed,” he said, Iran’s SHANA news agency reported.

India has already voiced its interest in the pipeline, but it has been boycotting formal talks on the project since 2007 over cost of gas as well as security of the pipeline.

Majedi said Iran has met its obligations regarding gas exports to Pakistan, adding: “Iran has heavily invested in this pipeline project and has constructed its own section of the pipeline.”

“Pakistan is required to construct pipeline to take delivery of gas from Iran,” said Majedi.

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, November 19, 2013