India, Pakistan to discuss $3.5b pipeline

India, Pakistan to discuss $3.5b pipeline

NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan will discuss the safety of a proposed US$3.5 billion pipeline designed to transfer gas from Iran to India through Pakistan, officials said on Wednesday.

Indian Oil Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar will meet Pakistani Foreign Minister Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri over lunch on Monday during his three-day visit to New Delhi.

"If our security concerns are adequately addressed, this project could turn out to be the economic bedrock which could buttress many more economic cooperation proposals," said an Indian foreign ministry official.

"The economic gains for Pakistan estimated at US$600 to $800 million annually in transit fee alone are a reasonable guarantee against sabotage," the official added. --AFP