Odisha Sun Times Bureau
New Delhi/ Bhubaneswar Nov 19:

Union Oil and Natural Gas minister and BJP leader from Odisha Dharmendra Pradhan, who is on a tour of Turkmenista, met its President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow on Wednesday.

dharmendra pradhan

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow emphasized on joint participation across several spheres to strengthen bilateral ties and building a strategic relationship between Turkmenistan and India at the meeting.

Minister Pradhan discussed the supply of natural gas to India via Turkmenistan-Afghanistahan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline and the challenges to finish the construction within a deadline. Both sides agreed to accelerate the project given its financial importance for both the countries.

In a statement, minister Pradhan said that the pipeline will go a long way in meeting India’s energy needs and catalyse fertilizer and petrochemical industries among others.  He also encouraged Indian businesses to invest in Turkmenistan.

The Minister is accompanied by a high level delegation that includes senior officials of GAIL, EIL, ONGC Videsh Ltd and senior officials of MEA and MoPNG.