India has quit Iran gas pipeline deal: Report

[ratolz]

Iran gas pipeline deal is not off, says Murli Deora



LONDON: Petroleum and natural gas minister Murli Deora has denied reports that India has quit plans to build a gas pipeline with Iran and

Pakistan.

"No, it's not off," Deora told journalists here on Thursday.

"With Iran the question is still open, but because of the political situation in Pakistan, just now there is a little bit of a stop on that."

Deora said he had met the relevant Pakistani ministers but "they have not written to us... they met us."

On plans to procure natural gas from Bangladesh, he said, "Unfortunately we have not progressed on that."

Murli Deora's statement comes after the Pakistani ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Bux Abbasi, was quoted in the Tehran Times as saying on Sunday that "India is out" of the troubled pipeline deal.

The 2,775-km pipeline is expected to deliver 30 million cubic metres of natural gas per day to Pakistan - a quantity that is later expected to double.

Deora was in London leading a roadshow to seek bids for oil and gas exploration in India. He said he had received a "gratifying and very good response" from British and other companies

 

[r3alist]

if this is india's view that they wish to not involve or become involved with pakistan then fair enough - but then let it never be said again that india wishes to become pakistans friends and wants peaceful normal relations


this pipeline was a wonderful opportunity to ensure that 3 major nations in the region had a stake in one anothers security and safety and that india's VAST energy demands are met.

in fact, dont take my word for it, look at Won't yield to external pressure in signing IPI deal: Govt




BUT, heres comes the US factor, the US simply do not want these 3 inmportant nations to be at peace with one another (or a step closer to this).

they dont want india relying/using iranian energy sources.

they dont want iran gaining influence with an important strategic partner in india.

they dont want india helping iran out of international isolation

they dont want to risk india to soften up on iran regarding the nuclear issue.

they dont want india to become independent of the US in an impt. issue such as energy demands

etc etc

the cost benefit analysis is that the us would not want this to happen, who can say for certain what the american sway and what the indian view is on this, lets see....

 

[EjazR]

I think there is genuine need for all parties for the pipeline to occur. But unless Baluchistan situation improves and US is also involved to make it a stakeholder. It will be a difficult project.

Link for article where Indian minister is refusing it backed out of IPI
India denies backing out of IPI deal

 

[IceCold]

It was foolish of us to think India would join in the project, all they were doing is to further delay the already much delayed project. Anyways imo its a good riddance.
Also what are the future aspects of this project interms of India joining it and would it be wise for Pakistan to block such a move made by India?