India to boost investment in Iranian oil and gas sectors

Tehran: India and oil-rich Iran today decided to significantly expand engagement in their overall ties, particularly in boosting Indian investment in joint ventures in oil and gas sectors in the Persian Gulf nation where foreign investors from major economic powers are rushing in to get early footholds after lifting of nuclear sanctions.

In talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, the two sides agreed that pending agreements such as Preferential Trade Agreement, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty should be concluded on a priority basis to spur trade and investment.

Enhancing energy cooperation and development of the Chabahar port were the centerpiece of talks which was mostly dominated by economic issues.

"The talks were very successful and would give new energy to our centuries old ties with Iran. In particular, the economic partnership will get considerable fillip as a result of today?s forward looking talks," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told PTI.

Sources said the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav was not at all raised by the Iranian side.

Jadhav was reportedly arrested in Balochistan after he entered from Iran and was accused by Pakistan of planning "subversive activities" in the country.

Both sides discussed the progress on the Chabahar project and agreed that the commercial contract on Chabahar as well as the modalities for extending USD 150 million credit for Chabahar Port should be signed in the "very near future".

Decisions on this line of credit, as well as USD 400 million credit line for supply of steel rails from India have already been taken by India.

Swarup said both sides discussed the energy partnership and Iran invited greater Indian participation in its oil and gas sector. "Iran said it would be happy to participate in the refinery sector in India."

On Farzad ? B oil field project, both sides took note of the constructive discussions held during the recent visit to Iran of Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

"The Indian side welcomed the Iranian decision to keep the Farzad ? B field outside the auction basket.?The concerned companies have been directed to complete their contractual negotiations in a time bound manner.?Iranian side had earlier communicated their gas pricing formula and expressed their desire for Indian investment in the Chabahar SEZ," he said.

"In terms of connectivity, Iran said it supported India?s desire to join the Ashgabat Agreement. The two ministers reviewed the progress made in the International North South Transport Corridor.?IRCON from India would be visiting Iran for discussions on the Chabahar?Zahedan Railway link," said the spokesperson.

On Trade and Investment, the two sides agreed that with the lifting of sanctions, the potential for expanding these ties was immense.

"They agreed that pending agreements such as Preferential Trade Agreement, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty should be concluded on a priority basis," said Swarup.