Iran, Pakistan finalise gas pipeline deal without India

Iran and Pakistan have finalised a deal on USD 7.4 billion gas pipeline project without the participation of India, ending settled differences on the agreement during four-day negotiations in Tehran. The two countries have agreed to sign draft agreement and a letter of understanding by the end of October, a senior Iranian official said yesterday. The India-Pakistan-Iran talks in Tehran, which began on September 24, was not attended by India, who said it will not attend the tri-nation meetings unless transit fee issue is resolved with Islamabad.