Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora has made clear that India will not bow to any external pressure on the participation in Iran -- Pakistan -- India gas pipe line.
Replaying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Deora said there are some outstanding issues including finalisation of the gas price with Iran.
Deora told the house that the energy needs of the country are paramount and that there is no question of succumbing to any external pressure in the energy sector.
India is very sure that the Iran --Pakistan-India pipeline project is good for all the three parties. The project has been considerably delayed, as it has not been able to decide on price of gas with Iran, Deora said.
Deora informed members that transportation tariff to be paid for the wheeling of the gas through a section of the pipeline passing through Pakistan and the transit fee to be paid to that country for allowing passage is yet to be finalised.
Deora said that India would get the custody of the gas at the Iran --Pakistan border.
Deora also assured members that he has cleared India's stance regarding New Delhi's participation in this pipeline project to US Energy Secretary Sam Bodman.
