Iranian president Ahmadinejad visits India for energy talks

New Delhi: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made his first official visit to New Delhi in a brief stop in India on Tuesday evening to discuss a $7 billion gas pipeline that would link the two nations.

Ahmadinejad met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil during his five hours in New Delhi.

Speaking to reporters, Ahmadinejad said the pipeline project will be finalised shortly, adding that a firm proposal will be seen within the next 45 days.

India sees the Iranian president's brief visit as a chance to revive the pipeline project which has been stalled repeatedly mainly due to costs and security issues with Pakistan.

The Iranian leader visited Pakistan on Monday before moving on to Sri Lanka.

Islamabad and Tehran said they had settled a host of issues over the pipeline project, which could be completed by 2012.

Gas pipeline project

The $7.6 billion pipeline deal aims to link the world's second-largest gas reserves to growing South Asian economies.

The project would initially transport 60 million cubic metres of gas (2.2 billion cubic feet) daily to Pakistan and India, half for each country, but capacity would be raised later to 150 million cubic metres.

New Delhi also wants to revive a 2005 agreement to import 5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas from Iran.

US objections

The deal has met strong US objection, but New Delhi has made it clear that it intends to work with as many nations as possible despite international disputes.

After meeting Ahmadinejad, the Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon reiterated this view, saying: "From our point of view, the more engagement there is, the more Iran becomes a factor of stability in the region".

Ahmadinejad's visit has sparked diplomatic tension between New Delhi and Washington, which opposes the pipeline because of fears it will fund Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Najad visit will strengthen relations with India, and the Gas pipe line project will be materialized by this visit
Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 30, 2008, 10:16

This Pipeline project will fulfill the energy needs of India. India should keep its decision of 'No guidance' from any other country, as India needs more energy for the rapid development of all sectors.
Jahabar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: April 30, 2008, 08:54

The visit is very encouraging as India needs fuel and gas for its development. So if it can be brought through the land it is much better than anything. So relations with Iran must be maintained and there is no need to have tensions with it.
KOOTHADI
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: April 30, 2008, 07:45