India, Iran to discuss gas pipeline deal

New Delhi and Tehran will discuss next month over the implementation the $4 billion gas pipeline from Iran to India via Pakistan.

"A delegation from Iran will visit India on the eve of Asian Gas Buyers summit commencing from February 14, to initiate negotiations on a term sheet for the delivery of Iranian natural gas by pipeline at the India-Pakistan border," Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said today.

Mani Shankar Aiyar said India will import 5 million tonnes of LNG from
Iran, and also has a market to absorb additional natural gas
coming via the pipeline.

"Our anticipated demand in 2025 for gas would be 400 million standard cubic meters per day. Our output today is less than 100 mscm per day. It is not possible to meet the incremental demand from domestic production and import of LNG and natural gas through pipeline was needed to meet the demands of the growing economy," Aiyar said.