Krishna discusses TAPI gas pipeline project with Turkmenistan

NEW DELHI: Amid its search for new energy sources, India on Saturday discussed with Turkmenistan a proposed gas pipeline project that is to be built to bring supplies from that country through Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The 1,680 km-long pipeline project was discussed during meetings External Affairs Minister S M Krishna had with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, Deputy Prime Minister in-charge of Oil and Gas Baymyrat Hojamuhammedow and Foreign Minister Rasit Meredow in Istanbul.

The proposed Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) project was discussed as part of deliberations to enhance cooperation between India and Turkmenistan in hydrocarbon sector.

The pipeline would carry Turkmen gas through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India, with all three countries drawing supplies proportionate to their needs.

The project was conceptualised in 1995 when an inaugural memorandum of understanding between the governments of Turkmenistan and Pakistan for a pipeline project was signed.

India, Pakistan and Afghanistan signed a framework agreement to buy natural gas from Turkmenistan last year.

The pipeline is proposed to run from the Dauletabad gas field to Afghanistan, from where TAPI will be constructed alongside the highway running from Herat to Kandahar, and then via Quetta and Multan in Pakistan. The final destination of the pipeline will be Fazilka in India, near the border with Pakistan.