DUSHANBE, February 14, Asia-Plus  -- Issues related to bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and India were discussed here yesterday at a meeting of Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi with Indian Ambassador to Tajikistan Omar Singh, according to the Tajik MFA.  

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on a number of important issues of bilateral cooperation, including rehabilitation and modernization of modernization of the Varzob hydropower plant and enhancement of the tourism sector in Tajikistan.  

Besides, the two touched upon the issues of resumption of aerial communication between Tajikistan and India that had been suspended during the civil war in Tajikistan.   

Indian diplomat, in particular, noted that resumption of flights between the two countries would pave the way for development of economy and tourism in Tajikistan.    

We will recall that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India and the Ministry of Energy and Industries of Tajikistan on modernization of the Varzob-1 power plant was signed in Dushanbe on August 6, 2007.  The document was inked by Tajik Minister Energy and Industries, Sherali Gul, and Indian Deputy Foreign Minister, Nilakantan Ravvi.    

  To modernize the power station India intended to provide $13 million. 

Specialists from Barqi Tojik power holding say that rehabilitation would include primarily the turbines, runners, substations, and ancillary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, and some piping.  Modernization will allow increasing the plant’s capacity from 3.5 MW to 9.4 MW, and after the modernization the plant is expected to serve another 50 years.  

3.5 MW Varzob-1, one of three power plants of the Varzob Cascade (a total of more than 26 MW), was constructed in 1936.  Varzob Cascade hydropower stations also include Varzob-2 (14.76 MW) and Varzob-3 (3.52 MW).  They also need to be rehabilitated to increase utilization and efficiency.