PM pitches for early implementation of TAPI gas pipeline project

News:

• Batting for early implementation of the USD 10 billion TAPI gas pipeline project PM evinced India’s interest in long-term investment in the energy sector in Turkmenistan.
• Both the countries have decided to intensify efforts in dealing with threats of terrorism, organised crime and illegal drug-trafficking.
• After talks between the two sides, a total of seven pacts were signed including an agreement on cooperation in the field of defence and another on tourism.
• The project is envisaged to take gas from Turkmenistan, which holds the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves, to India and Pakistan through Afghanistan.
• A joint statement termed the TAPI project a “key pillar” of economic engagement between India and Turkmenistan and its implementation would have a transformational impact on trade.
• An MoU signed for cooperation in the fertilizer sector will enable long term arrangements for supply of fertilizers from Turkmenistan to India.
• The pact on defence would provide a framework for intensifying bilateral defence and security cooperation through exchanges of high and mid-level visits, training and dialogue between the Ministries of Defence and other relevant organisations.
• The MoUs signed between the two countries also included one on cooperation in yoga and traditional medicine and another on sports.
  Source: ET