Pakistan, India discuss energy cooperation

 

KARACHI: Pakistan and India comprehensively discussed avenues for energy cooperation, including trans-regional projects, notably Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project. Minister and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain and his Indian counterpart Jaipal Reddy during a meeting stressed upon the political will to resolve their common economic targets. Dr Hussain emphasised the need to expedite work on TAPI and for setting up the economic modality by establishing a ‘Special Purpose Vehicle’ or consortium duly empowered to take all necessary decisions. The Indian side said they would get requisite government approvals to proceed in the matter. Representatives of Indian oil and gas corporations were also present and apprised the minister of various areas of cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Dr Hussain said all proposals could be considered and there was the need for concrete suggestions, which made economic sense.