Iranian Minister Calls India, China to Join IP Gas Pipeline

Iran expects India to get over its doubts and join the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, an Iranian deputy minister was quoted by Tasnim News Agency as saying.

The minister further added that the design of the pipeline makes it even possible for China to pitch in.

 “If India joins the pipeline, the interests of all three countries – Pakistan, India and Iran – will be guaranteed,” he said.

Ali Majedi, deputy minister for international and commercial affairs, said that Iran has met its obligations regarding gas exports to Pakistan, adding that, “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, but it has taken to serious action to that effect,” Tasnim News Agency quoted him as saying.

The pipeline starts from Asalouyeh in southern Iran and stretches 1,172 kilometers through Iran. In Pakistan, the length of the pipeline is 785 kilometers. It will pass through Baluchistan and Sindh. In Khuzdar, a branch would spur off to Karachi, while the main pipeline will continue towards Multan. From Multan, the pipeline may be expanded to Delhi.

The route in Pakistan may be changed if China will participate in the project, the news agency added.

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