India to Hold Talks With Iran, Oman Regarding Undersea Gas Pipeline

India is expected to start formal discussion on Friday with Iran and Oman for a deep-sea gas pipeline, reports Indian newspaper Hindustan Times.

Foreign minister of India is expected to meet Omani and Iranian counterparts.

This is the first time that the project, which could cost around $5 billion, will be discussed at the level of foreign ministers, a government official told Hindustan Times.

Besides getting natural gas to feed the country’s ever-growing hunger to meet its energy requirements, the meetings give India an opportunity to leverage the drift in energy ties between Iran and Pakistan to strengthen its economic ties with the Iran leadership, says the newspaper.

With Pakistan pipeline plan running into trouble and Iran likely to see further easing of sanctions after signing a historic nuclear deal with six Western nations, New Delhi can hope for greater momentum in bilateral economic ties, adds Hindustan Times.

“Earlier, there were plans of lifting the gas via sea bed to India from Chabahar port. But getting it via Oman can be more viable and more strategic,” said a source.

South Asia Gas Enterprises (SAGE), has undertaken a project called "Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP)", which will connect the gas rich Gulf & Middle East regions to India, for the transportation of natural gas.

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