The TAPI project, a significant initiative for transporting Turkmenistan’s gas to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, has been mentioned in press statements for nearly two decades, but there has been little tangible progress. First introduced in 2002, this project has seen numerous meetings, discussions, and statements, yet there are still no practical measures taken in Afghanistan. This situation is particularly crucial for the economic and social reconstruction of Afghanistan.
In the latest summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, emphasized the need for practical implementation of this project. He urged member countries to participate in the implementation of energy and communication projects in Afghanistan. He stated that it is essential to promptly implement the TAPI gas pipeline and fiber optic projects from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India.
Afghanistan, with its strategic location in the region, can address its economic challenges and play a significant role in expanding regional cooperation through the implementation of this project. According to the President of Turkmenistan, the implementation of such large-scale projects will not only increase economic benefits but also facilitate Afghanistan’s effective integration into regional projects, contributing to the country’s lasting economic stability.
The TAPI project starts in western Turkmenistan from Galkynysh, passes through Herat and Kandahar in Afghanistan, reaches Quetta and Multan in Pakistan, and finally ends in Fazilka in western India. This project can meet the energy needs of regional countries and pave the way for the expansion of commercial relations.
However, several challenges exist for the practical implementation of this project. Despite Afghanistan being secure now, political instability and technical issues are factors that pose obstacles to this project. To ensure the successful implementation of the TAPI project, practical steps must be taken to bring lasting security and political stability to Afghanistan.
The support of the international community, particularly the cooperation of SCO member countries, can assist in this area. The President of Turkmenistan emphasized the need for such support and cooperation in his remarks, adding that the successful implementation of this project will not only yield economic benefits but also make significant progress in expanding regional cooperation.
For the TAPI project to be successfully implemented, it is essential that all parties work in coordination and remove the obstacles in its path. Afghanistan is a key player in the region’s economic and social development, and the implementation of this project can bring significant achievements for the country’s future.