The News: India still interested in Pak-Iran gas project

India says that it has not backed out of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, rather it was an excellent Confidence Building Measure (CBM) between the two neighbours as it would create ‘inter-dependency’ between India and Pakistan.

“If we get cheap gas from Iran and Central Asia till Pakistan, it will be expensive but if India can come into it, it will be cheaper for both because of the sheer scale of the economy,” Indian Minister for External Affairs Salman Khurshid told a visiting Pakistani media delegation at his office in South Block.

When reminded that it was India that ‘backed out’ from the IP project, Khurshid stood his ground and categorically replied: “India did not back out. Those that invest their money will want to see how serious we are. In fact inter-dependency will increase and ‘majboori’ will compel both sides to stick together.”

In fact, he pointed out that earlier when the Pakistan government reached out to India to export its electricity and gas, New Delhi was not found wanting. “But now we see that there is no urgency (from Pakistan), so what should we do now?” he asked hinting at the lack of ‘seriousness’ on the issue. MORE