India and China: An Energy Team?:
The two giants’ alliance is part of a possible pan-Asian oil and gas grid. India’s Oil Minister calls the concept a “21st century silk route”
India’s globe-trotting Oil Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar is paving the way for what could become the cornerstone of his unique brand of oil diplomacy during a trip to Beijing in January, 2006. Aiyar plans to sign a broad memorandum of understanding with Ma Kai, chairman of China’s state energy policy planner, the National Development Reform Commission, that would have the competing Asian giants join hands in their quest for energy resources.