The energy sector was named a priority vector of Turkmen-Indian cooperation during a telephone conversation between President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind.

A vivid example of cooperation in this area is the implementation of a large-scale project for the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline. As noted during the conversation, thanks to joint efforts, to date, a lot of work has been done in this direction, important documents have been signed, systematic steps are being taken to solve the tasks set.

The successful implementation of this significant project will give a powerful impetus to the economic development of the participating countries, the creation of new jobs, the construction of social and industrial infrastructure facilities, and will attract large external investments, the interlocutors noted. All of this will serve the common good, will contribute to raising the level and quality of life of people. In this regard, they expressed confidence that in the near future, joint activities on the implementation of the TAPI project will bring tangible results.

During the conversation, the interlocutors also stated that there is a solid potential for diversifying economic cooperation, including taking into account the course of industrialization taken by Turkmenistan.

For its part, Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted, is ready to provide Indian companies with the necessary support in the implementation of investment projects and invites them to consider the possibility of creating joint high-tech industries in such areas as agriculture, chemical, pharmaceutical, light industry, production of building materials based on local raw materials.

It was also noted that both countries already have a positive experience of such a partnership. Speaking about this, the head of Turkmenistan noted the successful work of the joint Turkmen-Indian enterprise “Turkmenderman Ajanta Farma Limited”, proposing to consider the possibilities of expanding cooperation in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals.

During the conversation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Ram Nath Kovind also touched upon the topic of the coronavirus pandemic. Noting that the global spread of COVID-19 poses a threat to all countries and requires a collective response based on solidarity and new approaches to multilateral cooperation, the Turkmen leader expressed confidence that mutual support and joint efforts would contribute to achieving success in the fight against coronavirus infection.

The interlocutors also noted that high-level visits and negotiations play a special role in the development of Turkmen-Indian relations, building up bilateral ties with a long-term perspective.

Emphasizing that Turkmenistan sees a sincere friend and reliable partner in India, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind to pay an official visit to Turkmenistan at a convenient time.