NEW DELHI, Dec. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- India and Pakistan have started Round Three of discussions on the structure of Indo-Pak-Iran pipeline. Both sides hoped for a positive outcome from the talks.

    The two-day talks that began on Friday are being co-chaired by Indian Petroleum secretary S.C. Tripathi and Pakistani counterpartAhmad Waqar, Indo-Asian News Service reported.

    India had already sent its proposal on the project structure toPakistan. The structure will now be taken up during discussion.

    These talks will be followed by a round of talks between India and Iran. Meanwhile, Pakistan is likely to brief India about their discussions with Iran.

    It could take the three nations about six months before they can raise the dialogue at a trilateral level.

    After the three nations have finalized the framework, officialsof the Indian petroleum ministry said that the governments will not have to be involved all the time.

    The oil import deal will be negotiated for 25 to 30 years. Enditem