Context:  Context: An undersea gas pipeline project connecting the Middle East and India has been proposed by South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE), an international consortium.

About the project

• The project, estimated to cost $5 billion, aims to establish a 2,000-km-long energy corridor through the Arabian Sea, bypassing geopolitically sensitive regions.

• Saving: If realized, the pipeline could result in annual savings of around `7,000 crores compared to importing an equivalent quantity of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

• Import: Import of gas from countries such as Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Qatar, which collectively possess significant gas reserves.

• Price: The proposed pipeline is projected to deliver 31 million metric standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd) of gas to India under a 20-year long-term supply contract, with a pipeline tariff range of $2 to $2.25 per mmBtu.

About SAGE

• South Asia Gas Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. (SAGE) is promoted by the New Delhi-based Siddho Mal Group, in Joint Venture with a UK-based Deepwater Technology Company. 

• It is undertaking a path-breaking project, to build the Deepest Underwater Transnational Gas Pipeline (“Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP)) to connect the Gas Rich Gulf & Middle East regions to India.

• SAGE is working with a Global Consortium of some of the most reputed companies in the field of Deepwater Pipelines, to create a Multi-Billion Dollar "Energy Corridor" that can transport gas from the Middle East to India, bypassing the land route through Pakistan.

• In quest for India's Energy Security, South Asia Gas Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. (SAGE) is undertaking a path-breaking project, to build the Deepest Underwater Transnational Gas Pipeline.

• Also known as "Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP)", this will be a Gas Highway that will connect the Gas Rich Gulf & Middle East regions to India, for the transportation of Natural Gas to secure India’s Energy Needs.

• In addition, SAGE also plans to supply Natural Gas to Oman/ UAE on its Pipeline Route to India, and seeks to further build Cooperative Relations with the friendly Gulf and Middle East countries.