India pursuing IPI gas pipeline, says Deora

NEW DELHI—Indian Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora has said India is pursuing the issue of import of natural gas from Iran through Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline.
In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, the Minister said important issues relating to the implementation of this mega project were under discussion among the three stakeholders—- Iran, Pakistan and India.
As far as safety and security of the pipeline within Pakistan was concerned it would be responsibility of government of Pakistan for which a transit fee would be levied. Talks on the security package and transit fee were continuing with Pakistan, he said. Murli said the pipeline would be constructed as per international standards, incorporating all safety features. Round -the-clock communication and a supervisory control system all along the pipeline would be ensured.
Deora said such multilateral projects required thorough discussions to carefully examine all aspects of the project. He said an agency would be nominated by Iran to lay and operate the pipeline within Iran up to the border with Pakistan. This agency would also be responsible for safety and security of the pipeline.—Agencies