Swaraj discusses TAPI pipeline, Modi visit in Turkmenistan

India and Turkmenistan today agreed to fast-track the ambitious USD 10 billion TAPI gas pipeline project, as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with the top leadership here in "preparatory" meeting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to this country in July.
During the Minister's maiden visit to the Central Asian country, the two countries also agreed to collaborate in the energy sector and discussed key bilateral and regional issues, including defence cooperation.
"This is my first visit to Turkmenistan. It has been successful. It has exceeded my expectations. India's development standards are going up and there are so many developmental opportunities," Swaraj said after co-chairing the fifth India-Turkmenistan Inter-Governmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation with her Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov.

"In that context, our ties with Turkmenistan are not up to potential. I explored all options of cooperation," she added.
Swaraj said there were increasing opportunities to collaborate with resource-rich Turkmenistan in areas of energy and fertiliser sectors due to rise in requirement.
"Due to 'Make in India', our energy needs are rising. Our needs in the agriculture sector and want for fertilisers are also rising.

"In both these areas, Turkmenistan can be our partner. Having natural gas in abundance, we have talked about setting up a fertiliser plant in which fertilisers will be made here to be used in India. This will be value addition to their gas reserves and we will get fertilisers.

Swaraj, who is here on a three-day visit, also said Turkmenistan is willing to host Indian filmmakers in this scenic country for shooting purpose.
"There is also a unique proposal from the (Turkmen) Culture Minister asking Indian film producers to come to Turkmenistan and shoot in this beautiful country.
Prime Minister Modi is likely to visit Turkmenistan in July and several projects that the two sides take up would be finalised during his visit.
"In July, the Prime Minister is going to come here. If we are able to take certain proposals forward in the coming months, we will be able to announce them during the Prime Minister's visit.

"This meeting also served as the preparatory meet for the Prime Minister's visit here," she told reporters.