Strengthening Regional Energy Connectivity
Afghanistan has made tangible progress on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, a key regional energy project designed to link Central Asia’s vast natural gas reserves with South Asia’s growing markets. According to Ariana News, six kilometers of pipeline have already been laid since construction began last month, signaling the project’s steady movement forward despite past delays.
Herat Governor Maulana Islam Jar reassured project representatives of his full support, emphasizing that TAPI would not only bolster Afghanistan’s economic growth but also contribute to regional stability. The Afghan segment of the pipeline is expected to take two years to complete, representing a major milestone for the broader initiative, which aims to connect Central Asia’s vast natural gas reserves to the energy-hungry markets of South Asia.
Momentum Grows for TAPI: Economic and Infrastructure Boost
During a recent meeting, TAPI’s general director in Afghanistan, Abdullah Yoof, briefed Governor Jar on the latest construction progress. He outlined the project’s potential benefits for Afghanistan, particularly in terms of job creation and infrastructure development in Herat province. With Afghanistan serving as a critical transit country for the pipeline, the completion of its section is essential for the overall success of TAPI.
At full capacity, the pipeline will transport 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually, helping to meet the growing energy demands of Pakistan and India while providing Afghanistan with much-needed transit revenue and domestic gas supplies.
Kazakhstan’s Interest in TAPI: A Strategic Energy Move
In a parallel development, Kazakhstan has expressed interest in joining the TAPI pipeline, further expanding the project’s geopolitical and economic significance. The country’s Ministry of Energy has confirmed ongoing negotiations between its national gas company, QazaqGaz, and Turkmengaz, the majority stakeholder in TAPI Pipeline Company Limited. However, officials have remained tight-lipped on specifics, citing the confidentiality of the discussions.
Kazakhstan’s potential involvement in TAPI was first hinted at by Deputy Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhanov during the Kazakhstan-Afghanistan Business Forum in October 2024. He underscored that participation in the pipeline would open new markets, particularly in Pakistan and India, while attracting foreign investment into Kazakhstan’s gas sector.
If successful, Kazakhstan’s integration into TAPI would significantly strengthen Eurasian energy connectivity, adding an additional source of natural gas to the pipeline and diversifying energy supply routes for South Asian nations.
Political and Economic Impact: A Game Changer for the Region
Political Implications
The completion of Afghanistan’s segment of the TAPI pipeline carries far-reaching geopolitical implications. For Kabul, successful execution will reinforce its regional credibility and demonstrate its ability to facilitate major international projects. Additionally, Afghanistan’s role as a transit country positions it as a crucial player in South-Central Asian cooperation.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s interest in the project underscores its ambition to expand its influence in global energy markets. If it joins TAPI, the pipeline could evolve into a broader Central Asian energy corridor, potentially rivaling Russia’s dominance over regional gas exports.
Economic Consequences
The TAPI project stands to transform Afghanistan’s economy, generating thousands of jobs and attracting investments in pipeline infrastructure, gas distribution networks, and security arrangements. Pakistan and India will benefit from a reliable energy supply, reducing their dependence on costly LNG imports.
For Kazakhstan, entering the pipeline would unlock new revenue streams, as it seeks to boost natural gas exports beyond traditional buyers like China and Russia. However, potential investment risks remain, given the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan and the high cost of pipeline construction.
TAPI Route and Expansion Prospects
The 1,800-kilometer-long pipeline is set to traverse:
- Turkmenistan – 214 kilometers
- Afghanistan – 774 kilometers
- Pakistan – 826 kilometers
- India, where it will terminate, ensuring a steady supply of Turkmen natural gas to meet the demands of South Asia.
If Kazakhstan successfully negotiates its entry, an extension of TAPI’s network could be considered, further enhancing regional energy interdependence.
What’s Next?
With Afghanistan pushing forward on pipeline construction and Kazakhstan weighing its entry, TAPI is gaining fresh momentum. The next key developments to watch include:
- Accelerated construction in Afghanistan as authorities aim to meet the two-year deadline.
- Further negotiations between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, potentially leading to an expanded pipeline network.
- Pakistan and India’s long-term energy commitments, particularly as global energy markets fluctuate.
Quick Insights
- Afghanistan has laid six kilometers of the TAPI pipeline, with completion expected in two years.
- Kazakhstan is negotiating with Turkmengaz to potentially join the project.
- TAPI will transport 33 bcm of natural gas annually, supplying Pakistan and India.
- The project boosts regional energy security, trade, and infrastructure development.
- Political risks and security challenges in Afghanistan remain key concerns for investors.
As TAPI moves forward, its successful execution could redefine energy geopolitics in Asia, offering a blueprint for greater regional cooperation and economic growth.
