Monday September 26, 2011 07:59:51 PM, IANS

New Delhi: In a bid to leverage its Look East policy for oil diplomacy, India Monday sought the import of natural gas from the energy-rich Brunei.

Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed called on Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Sultan's Palace in Bandar Seri Begawan and discussed a host of bilateral issues, including energy cooperation.

"During the meeting, the minister reiterated India's demand for natural gas from Brunei," the external affairs ministry said here.

"The Sultan informed him that the matter is under active consideration of the Brunei government," the ministry said.

Brunei's Sultan visited India in May 2008. Ahamed conveyed his gratitude to the Brunei government for giving "highest consideration to the Indian population in Brunei."

Last week, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas R.P.N. Singh held crucial talks with energy ministers of Brunei, Indonesia, Australia and Malaysia, part of a strategy to diversify India's sources of supply of LNG.

He was participating in the East Asia Summit Energy Ministers' meeting (EAS EMM) in Brunei,

Natural gas accounts for around 10 per cent of India's primary energy basket as against the world average of 24 per cent.
 

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