January 25, 2003	Saturday	Ziqa’ad 21, 1423

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NEW DELHI, Jan 24: Iranian President Syed Mohammed Khatami arrived in New Delhi on Friday on a state visit during which he is expected to push a gas pipeline project through Pakistan, a complicated task made more tangled by the string of blasts that have hampered gas supply from the Sui fields within Pakistan, political sources said.

Mr Khatami, who will be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day military parade on Jan 26, is expected to witness the Agni I nuclear capable missile due to be put on display. India has offered Iran a submarine servicing facility amid prospects of joint naval exercises in the region.

India is keen also on ensuring a steady supply of its energy requirements from Iran should the simmering crisis over Iraq turn into a shooting war. Both countries are expected to announce their opposition to an unilateral action by the United States against Iraq should the UN Security Council not support a war campaign.

President Khatami met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee over a private dinner. The two will hold wide-ranging discussions on Saturday “on bilateral, regional and international issues of importance,” an official statement said.

Mr Khatami is leading a high-power delegation, including Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, Defence Minister Ali Shamkhani, Science and Technology Minister Mostafa Moeen and Oil Minister Bijan Zangneh.