Turkmenistan considers transport and energy as strategic directions of the Turkmen-Indian economic cooperation.  This was stated by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov after the talks with the participation of the President of India Ram Nath Kovind last Saturday.

 In the transport sector, we are talking, first of all, about the creation of Eurasian corridors to sea terminals in the Indian Ocean, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted.

 Turkmenistan, as a country that provides, in fact, the only shortest route to the Persian Gulf, to the ports of Iran and from there to India, gives priority to this direction, the President said, adding that in this context it is proposed to organize direct negotiations on cooperation  between the ports of Chabahar and Turkmenbashi.

 The project of transport corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar is also of great importance, Serdar Berdimuhamedov said.

 The head of Turkmenistan also expressed hope that India is ready for further implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project.

 The Turkmen side is convinced of the need to intensify joint efforts to build and complete, in accordance with the schedule, the TAPI gas pipeline project.  Here our country counts on the principled and effective position of India, its readiness to make a significant contribution to the synchronization and efficiency of the work of all TAPI participants, the head of Turkmenistan said.

 Speaking to journalists about the results of the meeting with the President of India, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that when discussing issues of energy cooperation, special attention was paid to the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline project.

 - It was confirmed that in addition to economic feasibility for all its participants, the construction of TAPI is designed to make a great contribution to strengthening stability in the region, to promote economic and political rapprochement between the countries of the region, - the head of Turkmenistan said.

 On behalf of Turkmenistan, the Indian side was expressed deep gratitude for the continued support of the project and constructive position at all stages of its implementation, the President added.