US wants India to source energy from Central Asia

NEW DELHI: In a veiled attempt to dissuade India from participating in the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline, the US has suggested that India could tap Central Asia to meet its fuel needs.

Speaking at a business meeting organised by FICCI, US Assistant Secretary of State for Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher said that New Delhi could use Afghanistan as a transit to oil and gas-rich Central Asian region.

The US is opposed to the over $7 billion IPI pipeline as revenues from gas sales would help Tehran further its nuclear programme, which Washington alleges is for military purpose. Tehran, however, denies the allegation.

"Our experience with Iran makes us realise that it is not a reliable partner," he said while suggesting using Afghanistan as transit route to source energy from Central Asia particularly Turkeministan.

Underlining the need for creating greater trade and energy flows between Central and South Asia, he said New Delhi would have to decide on going ahead with the proposed 2100-km Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project based on commercial viability and its own assessment of working with Tehran.

The US is backing an ADB-funded Turkeministan-Afghanisatan-Pakistan gas pipeline and its possible extension to India, as an alternative to the IPI.

"We think by opening up Afghanistan and making it a place for transit, we have made a positive change," he said.