India is pursuing the import of natural gas from Iran through a 2,600-km (1,600-mile) pipeline, reports Iran’s official news agency IRNA.
The $4.1 billion pipeline will pass through Pakistan. On Monday, Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf supported the project, saying the pipeline was in the interest of both India and Pakistan, according to a report by Press Trust of India.
“We should work for our national interests,” he said, addressing senior Indian editors during his visit to India. “All three benefit from it (pipeline),” he said, adding, “Pakistan is desirous of moving forward on this issue.”
India is likely to open dialogue on transit issues with Islamabad next month. Pakistan also wants to use the same pipeline for importing gas from Iran for its own use and hopes to earn millions of dollars in transit fees for allowing passage of the pipeline to India.
Referring to the U.S. opposition to the project, Musharraf said the whole world is buying oil from Iran and tries to reach agreements with the country on oil products.