Gazprom seeks to build an undersea pipeline to pump gas from Iran to India, using the experience gained from its massive Blue Stream project across the Black Sea.
Gazprom has approached Pakistan about the plan because the pipeline could pass through its waters. Pakistan's Ministry of Oil and Natural Resources has asked the government to allow Gazprom to start preparations. Gazprom believes it can cut the cost of the Iranian project to $3.2 billion as a result of its work on the Black Sea pipeline.
The key is to try to avoid Pakistani territorial waters and exceed the 12 Nautical Mile limit by 10 miles so that Indian Navy Patrol boats and cruisers can also secure the pipeline.