New Delhi, Jan 15: The Union Cabinet today gave its post facto approval to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Iran on cooperation in hydrocarbon sector. The MoU signed during the visit of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami in January last year establishes a general framework for cooperation in the field through setting up of a Joint Working Group, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters.

The MoU provides for cooperation between the two countries in the area of hydrocarbon sector resources including petrochemicals, liquid and gas hydrocarbons and their derivatives, research and development, consultancy services, exploration, refining marketing and transportation of hydrocarbons including gas, LNG and Compressed Natural Gas.
While additional secretary in the petroleum ministry would be the main coordinator from Indian side, deputy petroleum minister for international affairs would represent the Iranian side.

The cabinet approved an agreement between India and Ukraine in the field of tourism to create favourable conditions for the development of long term cooperation in the field for mutual benefit of the two countries.
She said that the cabinet also gave its approval to an agreement on cooperation in the field of animal husbandry and dairy between India and Mongolia. It seeks to promote coordination and cooperation on animal health to prevent spread of animal disease agents, quality control of veterinary biologicals and cooperation in the field of dairy cooperatives.

Bureau Report