RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.331
TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2018
ENERGY COOPERATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND PAKISTAN
331. SHRI C.M. RAMESH:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Russia has recently held talks for energy cooperation with Pakistan and, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it would affect the Indo-Russian relations if the deal materializes between the two countries; and
(c) what diplomatic initiative Government would like to take in this regard, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) There have been reports from time to time about energy cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, including in areas of trade in LNG; project for establishing North-South Gas pipeline in Pakistan and feasibility study for under-sea gas pipeline project.
In September 2018, Russia and Pakistan signed an MOU on offshore pipeline project for supply of gas from Iranian gas fields to Pakistan. The pipeline is expected to be 1200 km and the project is likely to begin in 2019.
(b) & (c) Government of India as a matter of policy does not comment on third country relationships. It pursues an independent foreign policy driven by India’s national interests. India and Russia have a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership that is
rooted in longstanding mutual trust, characterized by unmatched reciprocal support to each other's core interests.
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