It's economics, not only politics factoring India's decision on IPI pipeline

New Delhi, Apr.3 (ANI): Although the security of the pipeline is a major concern for India and is one of the prime reasons, which is stopping India to join the Iran-Pakistan Peace Pipeline, but Government sources here said that pricing and viability of the proposed pipeline is also a big consideration factoring India's decision on the project.

Government Sources said that before taking a final call on the decision, the petroleum ministry has to take the first call on the economics of the project, and ensure both smooth flow and dependability in terms of getting the material across.

According to sources, India wants Iran to be responsible for the safe passage of gas through the 1,035-km pipeline length in Pakistan and would pay for the fuel only when it is delivered at the Pakistan-India border.

Sources also added that the project is not closed for India and said: "Politics apart, economics is playing a very important aspect on how make our decision on the pipeline , off course the situation concerning our relations with Pakistan also comes in the calculation."

The sources further said: "Energy and security, there is a security aspect also when we look at energy , our access with reliable sources of energy making sure that things move smoothly so I think there are issues we need to sort out".

Petroleum Secretary S.Sundareshan in his comment on the project had said: "India will have only bilateral talks with Iran. We believe that the prices are on the upper side and the delivery point should be within the Indian borders due to security reasons. In another interesting development, Pakistan has assured security of the pipeline recently.

Meanwhile, India is also keenly watching the new sanctions which are expected to be imposed on Iran before reaching a decision on the proposed IPI pipeline.

Iran and Pakistan have recently agreed to go ahead with the projec, but have left the option of India joining the project open, but not indefinitely. (ANI)