Question : TRANSPORTATION OF GAS BY IRAN TO INDIA

(a) whether the Petroleum Ministers of India and Pakistan has decided to visit Iran to discuss a multi-billion dollar project to transport Iranian gas to India via Pakistan;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Iranian Government has given deadline to India to formally agree to its participation after finalising the content of the $ 7.4 billion gas export deal with Pakistan.

(d) if so, the response of the Union Government thereon; and

(e) the steps taken by the Union Government in this regard

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)

(a) & (b): Iran proposed to hold a meeting of the Oil Ministers of Iran, Pakistan and India on February 12-13, 2008 at Tehran. Government examined the invitation received from Iranian side in this regard and it was decided that it would be necessary to have a bilateral meeting between India and Pakistan before having a trilateral meeting at the Ministerial-level. It was also suggested that instead of a trilateral Ministerial meeting, a trilateral meeting at the level of officials be held.

(c): No, such communication has been received from Iranian Government.

(d) & (e): Do not arise in view of (c) above.