Abstract:

Geo-economics realities are changing geo-political interests. Growing demand for energy boosts prospects for economic integration at regional and international levels. Common economic interests also tend to reduce tensions among states. This paper explores prospects for regional peace, especially in Afghanistan, in the context of the TAPI gas pipeline project. It also aims to underscore some challenges in execution of the project. Some of these challenges are Afghanistan specific while others are related to energy politics between the US and Russia in Central Asia and South Asia. The paper finds that Afghanistan is central to economic integration of the regional states. The TAPI gas pipeline project is going to be a milestone in the history of Afghanistan. Lots of hopes are attached with the completion of the project. Afghan government needs to engage the Taliban in talks and try to bring them into the mainstream politics at earliest so as to materialize the multibillion project that could change dynamics of geopolitics in the region.

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