Geopolitics of Energy Security in Central Asia: Implications for India

Central Asia which was in the ‘periphery’ of global politics during the last decade of the 20th Century is gaining more prominence in recent years. In addition to the strategic advantage it got following the collapse of the Soviet Union, its hydrocarbon resources is propelling external actors ( both state and non-state) to set their foothold in this region. The present work is such an attempt to portray the closer connection that exists between geopolitics of energy security and its implication on Central Asia. Another interesting facet that has to be underlined here is that the geopolitics of energy security as well as Central Asian energy security is complimentary to each other. Opening of multiple pipeline routes, creating strategic bases, institutionalizing bargaining processes as well as pursuing of the socalled’ ‘multi-vectoral’ foreign policy especially by the Central Asian states are some of the caveats which got closer attention in the paper. India being an ‘civilisational power’ is also trying to bridge itself with Central Asia through ‘geo-historico-strategic’ linkages. This in the longer-run will create a positive environment for flourishing of energy relations among these two ancient landmasses despite having physical barriers.