India's Oil Minister, Ram Naik's reply was pretty conclusive. "India has no plans to import piped natural gas via Pakistan as [we are] concerned about the safety of the pipeline despite a thaw in bilateral relations," said Naik. Phrases like "a gas line is very explosive" and "anyone can play with the pipeline" made it quite clear that Pakistan's assurances do not mean much to India.
However, Naik did not rule out a pipeline project completely. He hinted that, if certain conditions were met, such a pipeline would be considered.
"First let the bus go and come safely, let the trains go and come safely, let airplanes go and come safely. Now let the terrorist movements stop. So let these steps be successful. Let the role of extremists change," said Naik. He was referring to more open transport ties between the two nations and tighter control of Islamic and Kashmiri insurgents by Islamabad.
However, a pipeline across Pakistan is in India's best interest as it is the cheapest option for gas-starved India, which can only barely meet half its domestic demand.
