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Rapid population growth and economic
development in South Asia is raising the energy needs, which may cause
inter-state as well as intra-state conflicts over the control of natural
resources. The conflict over the interpretation of Indus Water Treaty (1960) between
India and Pakistan has the potential to escalate due to water scarcity in the
region. Similarly, there is an intra-state conflict over the control of natural
resources in the Balochistan province of Pakistan.
On the positive side, South Asian
countries can greatly benefit from the mineral wealth of Central Asia, by
constructing pipelines carrying oil and gas. This will not only help in
overcoming the power shortage in South Asia, but will also lead to liberal
peace through interdependence. There is an old Kantian notion that mutual interdependent
leads to peace. India and Pakistan, two major players in South Asia, can
reconcile their differences by developing strong links in energy trade. The integration
of South Asia with Central Asia has the potential to mitigate conflicts and bring
peace and development to the region.
The paper will discuss the geopolitical
significance of the Eastwards pipelines from Central Asia and its repercussions
for South Asia. It will also analyse the future projects of Turkmenistan,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India gas pipeline; and Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline
project – which could later be extended to India. These energy projects have the
potential to transform conflicts in South Asia and bring sustainable peace. The
research will use qualitative reasoning to empirically test the hypothesis that
regional integration and interdependence can mitigate conflicts in South Asia
and establish sustainable peace. Finally, the research aims at drafting a
policy recommendation for regional integration between South Asia and Central
Asia; and the development of peace through interdependence.
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