Context:
The ongoing West Asia crisis has revived discussions on alternative energy supply routes like the IPI and TAPI pipelines, highlighting India’s dependence on imported natural gas.
Key Highlights:
- IPI Pipeline – Policy Details
- Proposed 2,775 km pipeline from Iran’s South Pars gas field to India via Pakistan.
- Conceptualized in the 1990s, gained traction in 2004–05.
- Designed capacity: 60 mmscmd each for India and Pakistan.
- Strategic & Economic Aspects (IPI)
- Called “Peace Pipeline” for promoting regional cooperation.
- Offered cheaper alternative to LNG imports.
- India exited in 2007 due to:
- US sanctions (CAATSA pressure)
- Pricing disputes
- Security concerns in Balochistan
- TAPI Pipeline – Alternative Strategy
- 1,814 km pipeline from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh field.
- Capacity: 33 bcm annually.
- Supported by ADB and backed by US under New Silk Road strategy.
- Current Status
- IPI: Dormant/Recast.
- TAPI: Partially active; Turkmenistan–Afghanistan section operational (2025), rest stalled.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- South Pars Field (Iran): One of the world’s largest gas reserves.
- Galkynysh Field (Turkmenistan): Second-largest gas field globally.
- CAATSA: US sanctions law affecting energy cooperation with Iran.
- mmscmd vs bcm: Units of gas flow (daily vs annual).
Relevant Mains Points:
- Energy Security Concerns:
- Heavy dependence on West Asia imports exposes India to geopolitical risks.
- Regional Geopolitics:
- Pipelines pass through politically unstable regions (Afghanistan, Balochistan).
- Strategic Trade-offs:
- IPI offers cost efficiency but high political risk.
- TAPI offers diversification but faces security challenges.
- Economic Implications:
- Pipelines reduce transport costs vs LNG shipping.
- Way Forward
- Diversify sources: Central Asia, Africa, LNG contracts.
- Invest in renewables and green hydrogen.
- Strengthen strategic reserves and infrastructure.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS 2: International Relations
- GS 3: Energy Security, Economy