Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) Pipeline and TAPI Pipeline
Source: BS
Context:
The ongoing instability in West Asia has once again exposed India’s high dependence on imported energy, particularly natural gas. This has revived discussions around long-pending transnational pipeline projects such as the Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) and Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) pipelines.
Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) Pipeline
The Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) Pipeline, popularly known as the “Peace Pipeline”, is a proposed 2,775 km natural gas pipeline aimed at transporting gas from Iran’s South Pars field to Pakistan and India.
Timeline:
- Conceptualised in the 1990s
- Major diplomatic progress during 2004–2005
Objectives of IPI
- Provide a cost-effective alternative to LNG imports
- Ensure stable energy supply to India and Pakistan
- Promote regional cooperation and peace through economic interdependence
Key Features of IPI Pipeline
1. Source
- South Pars gas field (Iran) — among the largest natural gas reserves globally
2. Capacity
- Around 60 mmscmd each for:
- India
- Pakistan
3. Economic Advantage
- Lower transportation cost than LNG
- Reduced dependence on shipping routes
4. Strategic Significance
- Potential to enhance regional integration
- Intended to act as a tool of energy diplomacy
Why Did India Exit the IPI Project?
India withdrew from the project in 2007 due to:
1. Geopolitical Constraints
- U.S. sanctions on Iran (including CAATSA-related pressures)
2. Security Concerns
- Pipeline route passing through Balochistan (Pakistan)
- Risk of sabotage and instability
3. Pricing and Transit Issues
- Disagreements over gas pricing and transit fees
Current Status of IPI
- Dormant / Effectively stalled
- Limited bilateral progress between Iran and Pakistan
Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) Pipeline
The TAPI Pipeline is a 1,814 km transnational pipeline project designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Timeline:
- Concept originated in the 1990s
- India signed agreement in 2010
Objectives of TAPI
- Diversify India’s energy sources
- Reduce dependence on West Asia
- Enhance regional economic integration
Key Features of TAPI Pipeline
1. Source
- Galkynysh gas field (Turkmenistan)
- One of the world’s largest gas reserves
2. Capacity
- Around 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually
3. Institutional Support
- Backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Supported by the U.S. as part of regional connectivity strategy
4. Strategic Role
- Provides an alternative energy corridor
- Supports Afghanistan through transit revenues
Current Status of TAPI
- Partially active but largely stalled
Progress:
- Turkmenistan–Afghanistan section inaugurated in October 2025
IPI vs TAPI
| Feature | IPI Pipeline | TAPI Pipeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2,775 km | 1,814 km |
| Source | Iran (South Pars) | Turkmenistan (Galkynysh) |
| Capacity | ~60 mmscmd each | 33 bcm annually |
| Key Risk Area | Balochistan (Pakistan) | Afghanistan instability |
| International Support | Limited | ADB and U.S. backing |
| Status | Dormant | Partially active / stalled |
