India 'committed' to Iran pipeline

Deora's Pakistani counterpart to arrive in New Delhi on Feb 17 for two-day talks, where the project will be discussed.

Putting at rest speculation that New Delhi was having second thoughts on the gas pipeline with Iran, new Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said on Wednesday that India was committed to the tri-nation project and would make efforts to ensure it fructifies.

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"We are committed to the project and are making same efforts as (former petroleum minister Mani Shankar) Aiyar to continue with the talks and hope the project will fructify," he told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

Deora said his Pakistani counterpart Amanullah Khan Jadoon would arrive in New Delhi Feb 17 for two-day talks and "we'll make use of his visit to discuss the project".

Asked when the talks will reach the trilateral ministerial level, he said: "It will take time". The talks have, however, reached the trilateral stage at the technical level, with the first round having been held here late last month and another round scheduled in Islamabad.

Asked if there were apprehensions that India's vote against Iran's nuclear programme would impact the pipeline project, the minister said he didn't have any.

On Iran not having ratified a deal to supply five million tonnes of liquefied natural gas from 2009, he said the external affairs ministry would be taking up the issue.

"We hope to find a solution soon," Deora added.