Pakistan feels that such a pipeline is in everyone's interest and that there would be guarantees built into the deal that would ensure India would get uninterrupted supply of Iranian natural gas.
Speaking at the fifth Indian Oil and Gas Conference, M. Abdullah said, "We support the pipeline from Iran to energy-hungry India via Pakistan. It's in everybody's interest and we should go for it. It is the cheapest option for India to meet its growing energy needs."
The official also went on to allay Indian fears concerning supply security. According to M. Abdullah, "Surety of supplies can be ensured through multi-lateral agreements and Tehran is prepared to supply New Delhi alternate fuel like LNG in case of any disruption."
Pakistan and Iran are both keen for the 2,670km, 48-inch diameter pipeline to be built that would link the southern Iranian gas fields to an energy-hungry New Delhi. The pipeline represents a cheap route for Tehran to sell its vast gas reserves, while Pakistan would earn an annual US$580 million transit fee from the US$3.5 billion gas conduit.
Only India's reluctance - on the grounds of supply security - has proven to be a stumbling block for the project.
