
In the original scheme of things, the proposed gas pipeline was to extend up to India transiting through Pakistani territory. But probably two factors contributed to its quiet withdrawal in 2009 from the plan. One, New Delhi nursed misgivings about a pipeline carrying vital energy supplies for it through a neighbour with whom its ties often remain adversarial. Two, it had cut a grand civil nuclear deal with Washington and it did not want to upset the latter. However, Mr Khurshid was at pains to insist that New Delhi had never actually backed out. Indeed, it is in the interest of both New Delhi and Islamabad to seize the opportunity and work towards gaining energy security through this key project. It will help keep the wheels of their gas-guzzling industries turning — without interruption. We can’t agree with Mr Khurshid more when he said such regional projects could create ‘inter-dependencies’ and would compel both Pakistan and India to have a long-term cooperative relationship.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2014.
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