06-09-04

The Indo-Iranian gas pipeline project will become a pipeline of peace in the region, said the president of the International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS). Professor Riyaz Punjabi told that the gas pipeline will be the bridge that will take the bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan to a higher pedestal and will help in alleviating poverty in the region.

Punjabi, who is also visiting faculty members of the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, said that the pipeline would open up opportunities for building peace initiatives, resolve outstanding problems and move the region towards economic prosperity.

He said India and Pakistan should trust each other and New Delhi should go ahead with international guarantees and consortiums bidding for the gas pipeline project and take the initiative for economic development of the country.

"There should be no opposition or hawkish attitude as far as the gas pipeline from Iran is concerned, he added. The Indian expert said the majority opinion in India is for the Iranian gas pipeline to pass through Pakistan, a move which many believe will alleviate the economic disparities of the countries in the region.
"Indo-Iranian gas pipeline should not be left hostage to the relations between India and Pakistan," he said.

Punjabi said: "If the Indus Water Treaty (1962) between India and Pakistan could survive in the face of war and the intrusions and tensions over the past many years, then the gas pipeline should not be left in limbo.”
He said India, being an energy deficient country, needs resources to raise the momentum of economic growth, adding that economic expansion and competition in the face of globalisation needs realization of the gas pipeline project.

"It would be wise enough to give the Indo-Iranian gas pipeline a chance as it provides an opportunity for greater improvement of relationship between the countries of the region."

The proposed $ 4.16 bn Indo-Iran gas pipeline via Pakistan is up for discussion by officials of the two countries. Out of the 2,775 km pipeline, 760 km will pass through Pakistan.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri will meet Indian Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar and one of the topics due to come up is the proposed Iran-India gas pipeline via Pakistan. According to reports, Islamabad is very keen and has given many assurances of security for the pipeline. India’s position on the issue is "softening," a senior Indian official said.

"If our security concerns are adequately addressed, this project could turn out to be the economic bedrock which could buttress many more proposals," an Indian official said.

India and Pakistan began their crucial foreign ministerial talks outlining eight issues including nuclear confidence-building measures, terrorism, economic and commercial cooperation and promotion of friendly exchanges, drug trafficking and smuggling, peace and security, opening of consulates in Karachi and Mumbai, dispute over the world tallest battlefield Siachin and controversy over water boundaries.