Gas pipeline talks in final stage: Iran minister

Talks on the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project are in the final stage where the technical aspects are being looked into, according to Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Reza Kasai'i Zadeh.

"The technical aspects of the transportation of gas to India and Pakistan are currently under study," he said in an interview with the Mehr news agency.

"Iran and Pakistan are currently negotiating on how to transfer gas and the final talks over the issue are under way with the special deputy of the oil ministry," the Iranian minister said.

At present, the gas pipeline has a capacity of 110 billion cubic metres, of which 50 million cubic metres are for local consumption and around 60 million cubic metres are set for export.

"About 40 to 50 per cent of the phase one construction is done and accordingly we are hopeful to complete the project within the one-year limit," said Nosratollah Seifi, managing director of National Iranian Gas Company.

India and Iran will discuss the progress on the gas pipeline project when Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari undertakes a visit to New Delhi from tomorrow.

Safari is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Petroleum Minister Murli Deora during his stay.

The two sides are expected to discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties, with particular focus on implementing the proposed projects like IPI gas pipeline.

Safari's visit will come close on the heels of Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed's trip to Iran, marking continuity of high-level contacts between the two countries.