New Delhi, July 16 -- India's state-run GAIL is in initial talks to secure a long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply deal from the proposed Alaska LNG project.

The move aligns with India's goal to raise its energy imports from the United States to narrow its trade surplus, which falls under a broader trade agreement with Washington to avoid significant US tariffs.

GAIL's discussions are preliminary as the landed cost of LNG will be an important deciding factor for the deal, reported Reuters.

Glenfarne, the developer of Alaska LNG, revealed last month that 50 firms had formally shown interest in contracts with Alaska LNG so far.

The project, supported by US President Donald Trump, has been stuck on the drawing board for more than ...