INTRODUCTION

1.    Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India passing via Herat – Kandar – Quetta – Multan and terminating in Fazilka would be 1735 km long natural gas pipeline injecting 27 bn cubic metre per annum.
2.    ADB is the sponsor and is expected to be built by 2018. It could have an estimated budget of $ 10 bn.
3.    The project started in 1995 and India joining in 2008. Issues related to transition fee were resolved with Afghanistan and Pakistan (US supports as it doesn’t need Russian routes).
4.    Two important Turk gas fields Dulatebad gas field and Lolotan gas field would supply gas. Afghanistan can use 5 bn cu metre per annum and Pak 200-250 .
5.    The negotiations have regiginated after Modi’s visit to central Asia and revamp in relations with Pakistan. It could also be seen as a CBM between both the nations.

ADVANTAGES

1.    It will act as a pacifier in the Indo-Pak relations as economic hardwiring would be done.
2.    It would fulfill the energy needs of India and would bring in natural gas which is cleaner than petroleum.
3.    It can help to savage the war torn economy of Afghanistan as Afghanistan will get monetary and energy benefit.
4.    It can act as a good alternative to long delayed IPI project.
5.    It can also be the first step to create a regional free trade zone.

OBSTACLES

1.    The pipeline passes through south-west Afghanistan where Taliban is still active.
2.    The pipeline also passes through the state of Baluchistan where separatists and tribal leaders have huge say over various issues.
3.    Any downturn in relations of a regional dispute can have an adverse effect.
4.    TAPI pipeline estimated cost is ever increasing due to delays where we might have to rope in private investment.