Govt not aware of talks on TAP project in Islamabad

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) The government today said that it was not aware of discussions relating to Turkmenistan-Afganistan-Pakistan (TAP) project that was held in Islamabad last month.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) which is designated as the lead development partner for project has asked India for participating in the project.

''The next meeting of the Steering Committee of the participating countries is proposed to be held soon,'' Minister of State for Petroleum Dinshaw Patel said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

The Cabinet has accorded an 'in-principle' approval to the proposal for India joining the project.

The revised draft framwork agreement has been circulated amongst Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India for inclusion of India as an official member of the project.

Mr Patel said in order to enhance the energy security for the government is also prusuing import of natura gas from Turkmenistan through the pipeline which is proposed to be exploited by these governments.

UNI