Light at the end of the pipeline

It is in the interest of both New Delhi and Islamabad to work towards gaining energy security through this key project

The ambitious multi-billion-rupee Iran-Pakistan pipeline project has hit so many obstacles over the years that the scheme began to appear no less than a pipedream. With sanctions staring Tehran in the face all along over its alleged nuclear ambitions, Islamabad’s dithering to engage in the project with sure-footed conviction has been understandable. But a recent interim nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers has brightened the picture of late. It is in this context that India, which was originally part of this tripartite project but pulled out midway, has again signalled its willingness to rejoin the scheme. The positive vibes emanating from no less a person than India’s Minister for External Affairs, Salman Khurshid, should inspire renewed confidence in a project that, for a time, appeared all but doomed. If there is seriousness from all sides, we are ready to import natural gas from Iran and Central Asia through Pakistan, so said Mr Khurshid during his talk with a select group of Pakistani journalists currently visiting New Delhi.

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 31^st,  2014.

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