NEW DELHI, Oct 19: A high-level Indian delegation returned from Iran on Tuesday where it discussed, among other things, the proposed gas pipeline project that would link the two countries via Pakistan, official sources said.

India's National Security Adviser Jyotindra Nath Dixit, who has been holding quiet talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mr Tariq Aziz on issues ranging from the pipeline to the Kashmir dispute, led the Indian side to Tehran. He was accompanied by Indian foreign ministry's point man for Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, Mr Arun Singh.

An Indian foreign ministry statement said Mr Dixit's talks with his Iranian counterpart Dr Hassan Rouhani included discussion on cooperation in energy sector and its beneficial impact on the region.

They reaffirmed the commitment of their governments to intensify cooperation in sectors such as energy, transit and trade leading to far-reaching benefits for the entire region, the statement said.

The two also exchanged views on regional issues, including Iraq and Afghanistan. The Iranian side apprised Mr Dixit of its efforts on peaceful use of nuclear energy, the Indian statement said. Mr Dixit invited Dr Rouhani to visit India.

The pipeline project has been discussed in the past at the highest levels by all the three countries at regular intervals, the latest being the support it received during talks last month between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

Mr Dixit called on Iranian President Hojjatoeslam Mohammad Khatami and conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

He also called on Chairman of the Expediency Council Hojjatoeslam Ali Akbar Rafsanjani and Speaker Majlis-i-Shura Dr Gholam Ali Haddad Adel.