Iran gas pipeline to bypass Pakistan<\/p>\n
NEW DELHI: India will bypass Pakistan as it pursues a multi-
\nbillion-dollar gas pipeline project with Iran, Petroleum Minister
\nRam Naik said.<\/p>\n
Naik said the pipeline from Iran to India would bypass their
\nmutual neighbour Pakistan by going through the sea. He said he
\nwould travel to Iran within three months to discuss the deal.<\/p>\n
\"We have not spoken to Pakistan on this and we are not going
\nto talk to them,\" Naik told parliament.<\/p>\n
\"We have to buy from Iran; there is no proposal to get it
\noverland. It can come through the sea route,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami pressed for progress on the
\npipeline deal during a visit to New Delhi last month. India
\nimports most of the oil and gas required for its billion-plus
\npopulation.<\/p>\n
Discussions on the pipeline -- estimated to cost US$3.5
\nbillion -- began in 1994, but progress has been slow due to
\ntensions between India and Pakistan and the project's high price
\ntag.<\/p>\n
India has fought three wars with Pakistan and is worried its
\narch-enemy may use the pipeline as a political tool, shutting off
\nsupply during the neighbours' frequent crises. -- AFP<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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