India’s new oil minister is likely to adopt a less strident approach to an Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project that could threaten the country’s relationship with the US.

Manmohan Singh, the prime minister, removed Mani Shankar Aiyar, the controversial minister of petroleum, in a cabinet reshuffle at the weekend, replacing him with Murli Deora, a senior Congress party leader from Maharashtra. Mr Deora’s appointment is likely to be privately welcomed in Washington, where he is a familiar and friendly figure.