Geopolitics of Energy in Central Asia Indian Interest and Strategies

Abstract

The most important topic of international discussion in contemporary times is perhaps energy. Its significance for the state and its people worldwide in fact has elevated it to the position of Universal Currency. As we stand in the 21st century no state or society can imagine life in absence of energy supplies as for almost everything energy is required. On the one hand, it has become the symbol of 21st -century geopolitics while on the other hand its scarcity and locational issues have worried the energy consumers of the world. The apprehension among the consumer countries about the availability of energy at an affordable rate and the feasibility of safe and secure supply at all times buttressed with the claims of the Club of Rome Thesis and Peak Oil theory further intensified the energy debate worldwide. Therefore, a race for secure supply sources by the major energy consumers led to a new great game over energy. New energy destinations received renewed attention while attempts were made to search for several new energy sources. Among those Arc of Energy discovered after the energy great game in world politics, Central Asia occupies a very prominent place. Having the latest geopolitical landscape in energy discovery, this region offers itself to be an important alternative to the traditional energy cartels of the Middle East. Therefore, several regions and extra-regional countries have aggressively attempted to influence the Central Asian countries, control their energy source and administer their pipeline routes to ensure their dominance in the energy geopolitics of the region. It is in this context, that this study endeavours to examine India s role, policy, and position in Central Asia s energy politics and compares its strategies with that of China and other countries engaged in the region. newline