Russia proposes to be a partner in Iran-Pakistan-India gaspipelin

New Delhi, Apr 5 (UNI) Russia is interested in becoming an active partner in the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline that would help India to meet its energy needs to a great extent.

The Russian proposal to be a partner in the proposed pipeline project was conveyed by Prime Minister Mikhail Fradikov during his visit here, Russian Ambassador to India Vyacheslav I Trubnikov informed at a seminar on ''Indo Russian Relations in New Global Scenario'' here last evening.

The seminar, was organised by the Unity International Foundation and the Gandhi and Darshan Samiti, was inaugurated by former prime minister I K Gujral.

Russia has recently supplied 60 tonnes of low enriched uranium for the first and second reactor of the Tarapur nuclear plant.

The Ambassador said there was a great potential of cooperation in nuclear and energy sectors and the excellant ties between the two countries could help further consolidate cooperation in the nuclear field.

Mr Gujral in his speech described Russia as a time tested friend, which had always stood by India at the time of crisis. He stressed the need for intensifications of cooperation in energy and fight against terrorism.

Former governor Bhishma Narain Singh also lauded the Russian leadership for their support to India on all critical issues.

Former Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh said the relations between India and Russia are not merely based on buying and selling, but have acquired new dimensions in the defence technology and space research.

Secretary General of Uniy International R N Anil said as a trusted friend Russia rushed low enriched uranium for the Tarapur plant to help India to overcome energy requirements. This is not the first time that Russian had come to our help. Moscow had done it is the past on several occasions.

UNI SMA SC RS1411