theist 1 Report post Posted July 24, 2005 But how do they think they will be able to protect it as it runs from Shi'ite Iran through radical Sunni Pakistan? -------- Associated Press India Says Iran Gas Pipeline Project 07.23.2005, 01:58 PM India's petroleum minister said Saturday a proposed US$7.4 billion (euro6.17 billion) gas pipeline from Iran through Pakistan was a risky proposition and could face financial problems. "The Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline is fraught with terrible risks. It will be extremely difficult to put together an international consortium to finance the project," Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar told reporters. He didn't elaborate. But he said India would continue talks with both Iran and Pakistan on the project. "God willing, we'll succeed," Dow Jones Newswires quoted Aiyar as saying. Earlier this month, India and Pakistan held talks on financing the 2,775-kilometer (1,735-mile) pipeline, pricing and sharing the gas, and security. Both sides are scheduled to meet again next month to discuss a framework agreement on the project. He declined comment when asked whether the project was facing difficulties because of the United States voicing reservations and asking India and Pakistan to explore alternative energy sources. Washington has no diplomatic relations with Iran, and wants to keep international pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program. Iran had proposed the project in 1996, but it was stalled for nearly eight years mainly due to India's reluctance to join because a large section of the pipeline would pass through India's archrival, Pakistan. However, improvement in their relations since January 2004 have revived talks on the pipeline that would help India bridge its widening energy deficit and yield millions of dollars to Pakistan in transit fees. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted July 24, 2005 now. India has had good relations with Iran since the beginning of Independance. A lot of the peace talk hopes with Pakistan have been with this pipeline in mind. India is starving for energy, but this pipeline will never happen, IMO. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theist 1 Report post Posted July 25, 2005 India would just make itself hostage to Iran and Pakistan. India should not follow the west into motorcar hell like China is intent on doing. High speed trains and solar energy would help but not a billion autos. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
