Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan met President of Turkmenistan Mr Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov today in Ashgabat. The President warmly welcomed the Minister. He expressed commitment of Turkmenistan for strong and friendly ties with India and mentioned that two countries need to develop strategic partnership.
Shri Pradhan reiterated India's commitment to source natural gas from Turkmenistan through TAPI natural gas pipeline project and sought assistance of Turkmenistan for resolving the remaining issues for smooth commissioning of TAPI gas pipeline project. The two sides agreed that TAPI is an important project for both the countries and concerted efforts need to be made to expedite the project and to meet the agreed timelines for the gas pipeline project.
Shri Pradhan also stressed upon expanding energy cooperation beyond TAPI into other upstream, midstream and downstream activities including fertilizer and petrochemical projects. He mentioned that Indian companies, both from public and private sectors, can participate in Turkmenistan in mutually beneficial projects. It may be mentioned that the Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation including CMDs of GAIL, EIL, ONGC Videsh Ltd and senior officials of MEA and MoPNG.
Shri Pradhan conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for President Berdimuhammedov and appreciated his leadership for bringing development and prosperity for the people of Turkmenistan.
MJPS/rk
Shri Pradhan reiterated India's commitment to source natural gas from Turkmenistan through TAPI natural gas pipeline project and sought assistance of Turkmenistan for resolving the remaining issues for smooth commissioning of TAPI gas pipeline project. The two sides agreed that TAPI is an important project for both the countries and concerted efforts need to be made to expedite the project and to meet the agreed timelines for the gas pipeline project.
Shri Pradhan also stressed upon expanding energy cooperation beyond TAPI into other upstream, midstream and downstream activities including fertilizer and petrochemical projects. He mentioned that Indian companies, both from public and private sectors, can participate in Turkmenistan in mutually beneficial projects. It may be mentioned that the Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation including CMDs of GAIL, EIL, ONGC Videsh Ltd and senior officials of MEA and MoPNG.
Shri Pradhan conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for President Berdimuhammedov and appreciated his leadership for bringing development and prosperity for the people of Turkmenistan.
MJPS/rk
