Geopolitics of Energy in Central Asia: India's Position and Policy

This book focuses on the geopolitics of Central Asia which has emerged as the new fertile ground for oil and energy resources. It analyses the scramble for energy and control over the region by many nations and their diplomatic manoeuvrings to ensure energy sufficiency and economic growth.

The book provides a quantitative analysis of the Central Asian energy potential and offers an understanding of the unique position that each country occupies in the geopolitics of oil and energy in the region. It looks at aggressive foreign policies by countries like the US, China, the European Union, Japan, Israel, Iran and Pakistan, focusing primarily on India’s position and strategies in the region within the new great game. The book further examines the dynamics between Central Asia and India and India’s policies for geopolitical engagement and diversification of energy sources.

This volume will be of interest to researchers and students of political studies, international relations, economics, sociology, and Asian studies. It will also be useful for policymakers and professionals working in the field of energy security and geo-economics.

Ramakrushna Pradhan is Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations, in the Department of Social Science, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha, India. A Ph.D from the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr. Pradhan also served as Visiting Professor in the Department of Regional Studies, Faculty of International Relations, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. He has also worked in the position of Associate Editor in Eurasian Report, an area study research journal, and as a Research Associate with the Eurasian Foundation, New Delhi. Some of his recent publications include Geopolitics of Central Asia: China–US Engagement (2010), Geopolitics and Energy Diplomacy (2016) and Geopolitics of Energy and Pipeline Diplomacy in Central Asia: Policy Options for India (2018).