Terming TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) project as a significant initiative in relationship between the two countries, Modi said he conveyed to Berdymukhammedov that multiple options including the possibility of land-sea route through Iran for the pipeline should be explored.
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Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, the Prime Minister said the solutions to two big problems facing mankind today – terrorism and climate change – could be found in the life and thought of the father of the Indian nation.
Earlier it was reported that Penspen is engaged in the feasibility study of the project.
The TAPI pipeline is set to cross Afghanistan and pump gas to Pakistan and India.
Connectivity is an area of priority for both countries and using the Iran route, Ashgabat is the first capital to reach in Central Asia.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of its PSLV variant that put five British satellites into orbit, saying it was a moment of “immense pride” for India. Modi said also expressed India’s readiness for long-term investment in the energy sector in Turkmenistan.
The defence agreement is a reflection of our shared interest in closer security cooperation, including in combating terrorism.
Modi said India and Turkmenistan have a “common purpose” in combating terrorism, and also emphasised on enhancing economic ties.
Modi said he proposed that Turkmenistan join the global North South Transport Corridor project, which aims to connect Mumbai to St. Petersburg.
Cooperation between the governments of India and the Republic of Turkmenistan on cooperation in the field of defence.
“We are standing on the threshold of a remarkable event”, the Turkmen leader said. Berdymukhamedov said the pipeline would attract $1 billion in investments to Afghanistan and create 12,000 jobs.
Noting that yoga helps humans to live in syncronise with nature, Modi said that it was not a physical exercise but a synchronisation of body, mind, soul and intellect.
Berdymukhamedov, 58, a Turkmen dentist and politician, was earlier acting president.
He also presented a specially handcrafted horse saddle to Berdimuhamedov, known to be passionate about horses.
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Besides Turkmenistan, the Prime Minister will visit Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
