To check slips, India, Pak set up JWG on pipeline

While Aiyar’s six-month timeline takes note of Pakistan’s desire to take a final decision on the Indo-Iran pipeline by the year-end, the JWG marks the first time the two countries will engage on meeting their long-term energy requirements.

In a statement, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz — whom Aiyar met earlier in the day — said: ‘‘Pakistan gives top priority to the overland gas pipeline for the supply of gas to Pakistan from Iran and Turkmenistan and to carry it forward to India, not only to meet its own energy requirements, but also to create linkages and interdependencies for establishing an enduring relationship between the two countries.’’

It is learnt that Pakistan insisted the JWG be headed by the two countries’ Petroleum Secretaries. It will clarify positions on technical, commercial and legal issues relating to the pipeline. A formal note on its structure will be issued on Tuesday.

Aiyar promises fast negotiations — starting with an early visit of his counterpart Amanullah Khan Jadoon to India at the end of August.

The shadow of US reservations on the Iran pipeline was evident in the minister’s insistence that the various pipeline proposals be looked at as ‘‘not mutually exclusive, but additions, that may require phasing to meet growing energy requirements.’’ This bilateral engagement will run parallel to India’s talks with Iran on the issue.

On Sunday, Aiyar had said India is now also willing to be included in the process behind the other pipeline option — Turkmenistan via Afghanistan and Pakistan (also known as TAP).

Today, he added that following his meet with Aziz, appropriate steps are to be taken to get India on board. An invitation is expected from the Asian Development Bank for India to join the next Steering Committee meeting. ‘‘I hope to be there to signal India’s intent to convert TAP to TAPI,’’ he said.

Regarding US pressure, he said: ‘‘The US is sensitive about our requirements.’’ Both projects were feasible.

There is a third. Pakistan is looking at a sub-sea pipeline from Qatar. India expressed its ‘‘deep interest’’ in the technology being considered.