TAPI Gas Pipeline the most significant initiative between India & Turkmenistan: PM

Source: PIB, Government of India

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi with the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the Press Statements, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on July 11, 2015. Source: PIB, Government of India

The TAPI Gas Pipeline could transform regional economic cooperation and bring prosperity along the route. The above statement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of a media statement in Turkmenistan. He also said to the Turkmenistan President that both the countries should explore multiple options, including the additional possibility of land-sea route through Iran. The PM also said - I conveyed our interest in long term investment in the energy sector in Turkmenistan. We welcome the decision by ONGC Videsh Limited to open an office in Ashgabat. We had a very positive discussion on India's interest in investment in downstream industries, including petrochemicals and fertilizer. The Memorandum of Understanding in the fertilizer sector will enable long term arrangements for supply of fertilizers from here to India. Connectivity is an area of priority for both countries. If we use the Iran route, Ashgabat is the first capital we would reach in Central Asia. We are grateful for Turkmenistan’s support to India joining the Ashgabat Agreement on trade and transit. I have also proposed that Turkmenistan becomes a member of the International North South Transport Corridor. Together with the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran rail link, and India's proposed investment in Chahbahar Port in Iran, these initiatives will strengthen connectivity between our countries. Training and human resource development is an important area of cooperation. India will enhance its training scholarship programme. I welcome the upgrading of the Turkmen India Industrial Training Institute in Ashgabat. The agreements on sports and tourism will deepen the contacts between our people.      

July 11, 2015 | 5:25 pm IST.