The Union Cabinet on Thursday gave its post facto approval to a memorandum of understanding between India and Iran on cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector.

The MoU signed during the visit of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami in January last year establishes a general framework for cooperation in the field through setting up of a Joint Working Group, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters.

The MoU provides for cooperation between the two countries in the area of hydrocarbon, including petrochemicals, liquid and gas hydrocarbons and their derivatives, research and development, consultancy services, exploration, refining marketing and transportation of hydrocarbons including gas, LNG and compressed natural gas.

While additional secretary in the petroleum ministry would be the main coordinator from the Indian side, deputy petroleum minister for international affairs would represent the Iranian side.