India, Iran to discuss energy ties

NEW DELHI: Strengthening of energy ties and implementation of the proposed tri-nation gas pipeline are expected to dominate talks between India and Iran over the next three days during the visit of Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon to Tehran.

The two sides will discuss ways to enhance cooperation in various other areas, including commercial and cultural sectors, besides deliberating on Iran's stand-off with the West over its controversial nuclear programme.

During the Foreign Office consultations, the two countries will discuss the way forward on implementation of the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline.

The gas pipeline project, discussions for which started three years ago, has failed to take off as Iran has been pressing for revision of price, which is unacceptable to India.

As India continues to have reservations over the revision of price, Iran and Pakistan had decided to go ahead and sign two bilateral agreements as part of the project.

During Menon's visit, the two sides will also discuss prospect of other forms of energy cooperation besides the IPI. Iran's stand-off with the West over its controversial nuclear programme will also come up during the discussions. The Indian side is expected to seek an update on Iran's talks with IAEA.

Citing its civilisational ties with Iran, India has opposed "coercion" and "threats" against Tehran, saying these will not help resolve the problem. New Delhi has been favouring a negotiated solution to the issue within the IAEA framework.