PM pitches for timely implementation of TAPI pipeline project
India and Turkmenistan have inked several important agreements for boosting cooperation in various sectors including defence and security, energy and petrochemicals, transport and connectivity, fertilizers, space, science and technology and culture. In addition, special emphasis was laid to further strengthen and improve the bilateral trade as the present quantum is quite less as compared to the potential.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held extensive discussions on bilateral relations along with the regional and international issues of mutual interest. They also expressed satisfaction over continued development of bilateral relations based on deep-rooted civilizational, historical and cultural linkages and shared interest at the international level. According to the joint-statement issued after the meeting, the host President also accepted the invitation extended by the visiting Prime Minister for the state visit to India.
The two leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment towards timely implementation of the strategic Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India which is popularly known as TAPI pipeline project. They also noted that the selection of the Consortium Leader for the ambitious project, to be finalized by September 01 this year, would mark a crucial step in this direction.
They also welcomed the increased bilateral cooperation in the field of chemicals and petrochemicals as well as the opening of the ONGC Videsh Limited office in Turkmenistan along with signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the state concern Turkmenhimiya and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers to provide a frame work for long-term sourcing of urea from Turkmenistan.
Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi was given a ceremonial welcome at the Oguzkhan Palace in the Turkmen capital Ashgabat this morning. The personal interaction with President Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was followed by the delegation-level talks and seven agreements were signed in presence of the two leaders.
Agreement between India and Turkmenistan on TAPI Turkmenstan Afghanistan Pakistan India Gas pipe line is widely welcomed in Turkmenistan also.