Mumbai: China is keen to join the Iran gas pipeline project, and if India does not take a decision soon, Beijing may replace New Delhi in the deal, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Ali Hosseini said in New Delhi.

Hosseini, who is on a visit to New Delhi said there is limited time left for India to take a decision on the gas pipeline.

"Expedite the decision-making process to finalise the gas deal. We don't have a lot of time," Hosseini said.

He said while Iran was ready to wait for India to take a decision on the gas pipeline, "China is also applying pressure and wants to join the project."

Pakistan, meanwhile, said it welcomed China's participation in the Iran gas pipeline project, irrespective of whether India decides to take part in the venture.

The Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline was originally envisaged to transport Iranian gas to India and Pakistan. India has not participated in the last few rounds of discussions on the project following differences with Pakistan over a transit fee to be paid for the Iranian gas.

In recent weeks, reports have suggested that the Indian government will hold talks on the project with the new administration to be formed in Pakistan following the February 18 general election.

A senior Iranian official on Tuesday said China is keen to join the pipeline project and if New Delhi does not take a decision soon, Beijing would replace it in the deal.

"India is still interested in the IPI project. If there are prospects of China joining the IPI project with or without India, we will welcome it," Pahistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq told a weekly news briefing yesterday.

Pakistan is committed to the pipeline because of its desire to achieve energy security, he said, adding, "We will welcome China joining (the project)."