Indian PM Manmohan Singh, right, with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in New Delhi, 29 Apr 2008

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is in India to push ahead with talks on a natural gas pipeline to New Delhi, despite U.S. objections to the project.

The Iranian leader is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the $7.5- billion project. The proposed pipeline would stretch from Iran to Pakistan and India to boost economic development in the South Asian nations.

The United States has opposed the pipeline deal in an effort to isolate Iran for its disputed nuclear program and alleged support of terrorism.

Mr. Ahmadinejad arrived in the Indian capital Tuesday after visits to Sri Lanka and Pakistan. His trip to India is the last stop on a South Asian tour aimed at strengthening Tehran's economic and oil ties to the region.

Mr. Ahmadinejad visited Sri Lanka to oversee the signing of six agreements that include about $1.5 billion worth of infrastructure projects.

Iran will help Sri Lanka expand its oil refinery and build an irrigation and hydropower project that will increase the nation's electricity supply.

The Iranian president began his trip Monday in Pakistan, where officials said President Pervez Musharraf and Mr. Ahmadinejad cleared all obstacles to the planned natural gas pipeline.

Some information for this report was provided by and Reuters.