PM Modi holds talks with Turkmenistan Prez, pitches for early implementation of TAPI gas pipeline

"The most significant initiative in our relationship is the TAPI Gas Pipeline. This could transform regional economic cooperation and bring prosperity along the route. We welcomed the agreements between the four countries for the pipeline. We underlined the need to implement the project quickly," Modi said during his meeting with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov here.

He said India attaches great importance to this relationship.

"There is enormous potential for cooperation between India, a nation of 1.25 billion people with a large and rapidly growing economy, and Turkmenistan, a nation rich in resources," Modi said.

Modi said that as India deepens its relations with Central Asia, Turkmenistan will play a crucial role in it.

"We have shared interests in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and Central Asia. We also have common purpose in combating terrorism and extremism in our region," he said.

Modi also conveyed India's interest in long term investment in the energy sector in Turkmenistan.

"We welcome the decision by ONGC Videsh Limited to open an office in Ashgabat. We had a very positive discussion on India's interest in investment in downstream industries, including petrochemicals and fertilizer. The Memorandum of Understanding in the fertilizer sector will enable long term arrangements for supply of fertilizers from here to India." said he.

"Connectivity is an area of priority for both countries. If we use the Iran route, Ashgabat is the first capital we would reach in Central Asia," Modi added.

Modi also proposed that Turkmenistan becomes a member of the International North South Transport Corridor.

"Together with the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran rail link, and India's proposed investment in Chahbahar Port in Iran, these initiatives will strengthen connectivity between our countries," said he.