Washington - India's Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar may feel happy that gas pipeline project from Iran is getting through very soon. He may feel that there is absolutely no pressure on India from any corner, including the United States, regarding the gas pipeline project with Iran. But it does not seem to be the case.   

India is definitely under the pressure of United States; it may not be a direct pressure but its traces from the speeches of Pakistan officials. 

President Pervez Musharaf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz recently said, "To take a decision based on Pakistani national interest by the year end is to be calculated whether to go for the Iran pipeline or (Turkemenstan-Afghanistan-Pakistan) link or not."

There is a strong opinion in Pakistan that it will listen to United State rather than India on the issue of pipeline from Iran through Pakistan.  Though Pakistan wants to grow relations with India, it is difficult for it to earn the displeasure of United States. Pakistan may not show any negative sign to Aiyar but would not commit any thing unless it receives signal from the United States.

Leading Pak dailies have already reported the views of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice giving warning against proceeding with the gas lifeline from Iran. Some State officials were quoted as saying that the pipeline "could expose energy deficient India and Pakistan to US sanctions".

"All that the United States has asked India was that, it hoped we were aware of the their concerns. We told in response that we are aware of your concerns but hope that you, too, are aware of our concerns." But India looks to have turned a deaf ear to their political advice.

While recalling the remarks of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf regarding the gas pipeline project from Iran, Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said "if it was all right for Europeans to come and purchase gas from Iran then why should Asian countries not buy Iranian gas".

"We should have a cooperative atmosphere in Asia. Asia is the largest producer and consumer of oil and natural gas. Therefore, there should be a complete harmony between the producers and consumers in the continent," Aiyar said.

Elaborating on his vision of energy grid, Aiyar said gas alone is not sufficient for the formation of the energy grid, there are also many other factors. Asia, which is the largest producer of oil should also include crude as one of the pillars of the energy grid, he said.

According to him, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, China and Pakistan all should be partners in the energy grid.

Whatsoever may be the argument advanced by Mr. Aiyar on behalf of India, US is not convinced.  On the contrary US is unhappy to see India's growing relations with Iran on the issue of pipeline.  International Reporter had already warned India that US would not be happy with their relationship with Iran on the issue of establishing pipeline.

US considers Iran as its dead enemy and would not hesitate even to launch an attack by sanctions or otherwise.  Pakistan can read the mood of the United States and would like to keep them pleased at any cost.

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