ASHGABAT: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched on Saturday for early implementation of the $10 billion Tapi gas pipeline project during his talks with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukha­mmedov as the two countries inked seven pacts to ramp up engagement in key areas, including defence.

During their comprehensive talks, the two leaders resolved to step up efforts against cross-border threats of terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking as they reaffirmed their commitment to a stable Afghanistan.

The Indian prime minister identified terrorism as a major threat facing the region and said: “We have shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and Central Asia. We have also common purpose in combating terrorism and extremism in our region.”

Terming Tapi (Turkmen­istan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) project as a significant initiative in relationship between the two countries, Mr Modi said he had conveyed to Mr Berdymu­kha­mmedov that multiple options including the possibility of land-sea route through Iran for the pipeline should be explored.

The Tapi gas project is an over 1,800km pipeline with design capacity to supply 3.2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per annum from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

The pipeline is expected to be operational by 2018 and will carry gas from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh field that holds gas reserves of 16 trillion cubic feet.

Mr Modi also emphasised the need for enhancing connectivity, calling it a key aspect of the relationship. He also proposed that Turkmenistan become part of the International North South Transport Corridor.

Noting that the pipeline project could transform regional economic cooperation and bring prosperity along the route, Mr Modi underlined the need to implement it “quickly” besides expressing readiness for India’s long-term investment in the energy sector in Turkmenistan.

By arrangement with the Times of India

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play