Thursday, April 21 2005 10:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government yesterday (Apr 20, 2005) said the issue of gas pipeline between Iran and India was not discussed at official talks with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during her recent visit to New Delhi.

Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said that the Government would take decisions on the gas pipeline based on India's national interest.

"The issue of the gas pipeline was not discussed at official talks during the visit of the US Secretary of State," he said.

Rice, at a press conference during the visit, had said, "I think our views concerning Iran are well-known by this time and we have communicated to the Indian Government our concerns about the gas pipeline cooperation between Iran and India."

Ahamed said discussions were on between India, Pakistan and Iran on this matter.

He said that India's energy requirements are growing rapidly and the country has traditionally good relations with Iran.