India, Turkmenistan sign 7 pacts; PM eyes gas pipeline

India, Turkmenistan sign 7 pacts; PM eyes gas pipeline

FPJ BureauUpdated: Saturday, June 01, 2019, 12:17 AM IST
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Ashgabat : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov shake hands while exchanging the docments during the joint Press Statement at Aguzkhan Palace in Turkmenistan on Saturday. PTI Photo by Manvender Vashist (PTI7_11_2015_000069B) |

Ashgabat : Batting for early implementation of the $ 10 billion TAPI gas pipeline project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday evinced India’s interest in long-term investment in the energy sector in Turkmenistan as the two countries inked seven pacts and vowed to jointly  combat terrorism in the region.

During comprehensive talks between Modi and Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov both sides decided to intensify efforts in dealing with threats of terrorism, organised crime

The 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.”

After talks between the two sides, a total of seven pacts were signed including an agreement on cooperation in the field of defence and another on tourism.

Calling TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) project as a significant initiative in relationship between the two countries, Modi said possibility of land-sea route through Iran for the pipeline should be explored.

The project was envisaged to take gas from Turkmenistan, which holds the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves, to India and Pakistan through Afghanistan.

A joint statement termed the TAPI project a “key pillar” of economic engagement between India and Turkmenistan and said both the leaders recognised that its implementation would have a transformational impact on trade.

It said they decided to take measures for early implementation of this important regional project. The leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment towards timely implementation of this strategic project and noted that the selection of its Consortium Leader, to be finalised by September 1 this year, would mark a crucial step, it said.

Modi said also expressed India’s readiness for long-term investment in the energy sector in Turkmenistan. “I convey our interest in long-term investment in the energy sector in Turkmenistan,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi also emphasised the need for enhancing connectivity, calling it a key aspect of the relationship.

 He also proposed that Turkmenistan becomes part of International North South Transport Corridor.

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