The delegation, led by KV Rajan, secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry, will have representatives from the ministries of defence, petroleum and natural gas, a foreign office spokesman told newsmen here.

Visiting Iranian deputy foreign minister Mohsin Aminzadeh brought up the gas pipeline issue during wide-ranging discussions he had with external affairs minister Jaswant Singh and foreign secretary Lalit Mansingh.

With a military regime in Pakistan, New Delhi is wary over the Iranian proposal, particularly on security considerations.

The Indian concern, conveyed by Singh to Iranian leaders during his visit to Tehran in May this year, was reiterated during the parleys.

Notwithstanding India's apprehensions, Aminzadeh on a hardsell mission, told reporters Pakistan has given Iran a "written guarantee" to provide security to the proposed pipeline through a letter by the Pakistani energy minister.

The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern, the spokesman said. Different facets of bilateral relations came under review.

Responding to questions, the spokesman said during preliminary discussions on the issue of gas supply from Iran to India, the Iranian side had "shared with us some aspects of their discussions with Pakistan". He, however, did not elaborate.

Asked whether the pipeline issue would figure during the meeting of the indo-iranian joint committee next month, he said "if it is raised, naturally it will be discussed".

The two sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan. Both India and Iran are in favour of a peaceful, political settlement of the Afghan imbroglio through the establishment of a broad-based government which has the participation of all ethnic groups in that country.

Aminzadeh contended that the project, when translated into reality, would benefit India, Pakistan and Iran substantially.

Stating that the project, when translated into reality, would benefit India, Pakistan and Iran substantially, Aminzadeh said "we should all try to create an environment of security through multilateral and international guarantees".

On the pipeline issue, he said though political and security problems were involved, none of the three countries could be ignored in view of the substantial economic benefits from it.

He said the matter was now being discussed bilaterally with India and Pakistan and "tri-lateral" arrangements would have to be made when present talks succeed.