NEW DELHI, Dec 9: The Indian government told parliament on Thursday that the proposed gas pipeline from Iran via Pakistan was one of the viable options to ensure the country's energy security.

Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer told the Lok Sabha that he had discussed the issue with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran earlier this month but had made no commitment.

"To meet the large deficit between demand and supply of natural gas in the country, as projected in Hydrocarbon Vision-2025, and for enhancing the energy security of the country in keeping with the provisions of the Energy Security Section of the National Common Minimum Programme, a trans-national onland pipeline from Iran to India transiting through Pakistan is one of the viable options," Mr Aiyer said.

He said the matter was recently discussed at the highest level between the two countries and it was decided to pursue the Iran-India natural gas pipeline via Pakistan.