Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan led the Indian delegation to the 22nd Steering Committee meeting of TAPI Natural Gas pipeline project in Ashgabat on August 6, 2015.During the meeting it was agreed that the four countries involved in the project, i.e. Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India will own the project and take steps for early implementation of the project. Turkmenistan proposed that its state-owned company TurkmenGaz would lead the Consortium for TAPI project with majority investment. All sides endorsed the Turkmen proposal. It was agreed that all sides would make investment in the project subject to techno-commercial viability, shareholders agreement and investment agreement.
It may be noted that during the recent visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister to Turkmenistan during 10-11 July 2015 TAPI project was discussed at length and Hon’ble Prime Minister stressed upon early implementation of the gas pipeline project.
On the margins of the TAPI meeting Shri Pradhan met Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan Mr. Baymurad Hojamuhammedov. They reiterated the resolve of the leadership of the two countries to take concrete steps to materialize the TAPI project at an early date. Shri Pradhan welcomed the Turkmen decision which gives fresh impetus to start the construction of Turkmen segment of the pipeline in December 2015.Pradhan held a bilateral meeting with Minister of Petroleum of Pakistan Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The two sides agreed that TAPI gas pipeline would contribute towards energy security and economic prosperity of both the countries. They agreed to work towards early implementation of the project. Shri Pradhan held a bilateral meeting with Afghan Minister of Mines & Petroleum Mr. Daoudshah Saba. Besides the issue of TAPI, the two Ministers also discussed about other possible bilateral energy related projects. Shri Pradhan was accompanied by Ambassador of India, senior officials from MEA, MoPNG, CMD,GAIL, MD, OVL and Director (Pipeline), IOC.