India offers help to Tajikistan on unconventional energy

Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah said the Indian government was ready to help Tajikistan in the field on unconventional energy by training its people and set up pilot projects so that it can learn the benefits of alternative energy models.

He was addressing industrialists from the two countries in the presence of Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon.

He said in the coming days, global warming can reduce large glaciers into "trickle of streams" and create water scarcity. Against this backdrop, unconventional energy based on solar and wind power could help bridge the gap.

He also stressed upon the need to improve the air link between Jammu and Kashmir and Tajikistan to help traders as well as people desiring to visit the dargah of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani in that country.

In his address, President Rahmon said Tajikistan was building a 2000-km-long highway and hoped that Indian companies will participate in the project.

He said due to poor oil and gas reserves, Tajikistan depended on hydro power to meet its energy needs and said the economic policies in his country made it an attractive destination for investors.

Tajikistan was also following a policy on green energy to reduce pollution, Rahmon said.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations President Karan Singh released the Hindi translation of a book authored by Rahmon titled 'Tajikistan in the mirror of history'.