(a) whether in the wake of recent developments in certain parts of Pakistan, the proposed Indo-Iran Gas Pipeline Project is likely to be adversely affected;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) whether there is any shift in the already decided route of the above pipeline;
(d) if so, the details and the reasons therefor; and
(e) the concrete measures likely to be undertaken by the Government in order to complete the project within the schedule timeframe?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Does not arise in view of
(a) above.
(c): The route of the pipeline is yet to be finalized.
(d): Does not arise in view of
(c) above.
(e): Two sets of separate Secretary-level bilateral Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up with Pakistan and Iran for pursuing the import of natural gas from Iran through the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) transnational gas pipeline. So far, three meetings each of these JWGs have been held, in which various technical, commercial, financial, legal and other project related issues have been discussed.
The issues under discussion include gas pricing, project structure and framework agreement for the project. The Indian side have appointed their financial and technical consultants who are advising the Ministry on various aspects of the project.
The progress of the project was reviewed by
the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India and Minister of Petroleum & Natural Resources, Government of Pakistan during the latter`s visit to New Delhi on 17th February, 2006. A tripartite meeting at officials` level is proposed to be held in Tehran, in mid March 2006, to be followed by a tripartite Minister-level meeting at Tehran in mid April 2006.