India, Pak close to gas pipeline deal with Iran

Doha, Apr 22: Iran, India and Pakistan are close to signing a gas pipeline deal, Pakistan's oil minister Amanullah Khan Jadoon told Reuters on Saturday, overriding US opposition to the project.

Speaking after talks with his Iranian and Indian counterparts, he told Reuters only technical issues had to be resolved. The billion pipeline would link Iran's abundant gas reserves, the world's second biggest, to India's booming economy.

Iranian Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri said he had a good understanding with India and Pakistan and was unconcerned by US opposition to the plan.

Reuters