Afghanistan celebrated the completion of the TAPI gas pipeline on the Turkmenistan side and announced the beginning of work on the $10 billion project traversing South Asia. This pipeline, running through Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, will see the extraction of natural gas from Turkmenistan to be delivered to the recipient countries.
At a border ceremony in Turkmenistan, officials from both sides hailed the project, emphasizing its economic benefits for the region. The pipeline will provide Afghanistan with jobs and a share of the gas deliveries, along with lucrative transit fees.
Jobs and cheap gas
The TAPI pipeline also marks a significant development project for the Taliban government, showcasing their role in regional cooperation and economic growth. While the timeline for the pipeline’s operation remains uncertain, it is expected to provide cheaper gas and consistent supply to the recipient countries.
Despite facing economic and financial sanctions, Afghanistan is pushing forward with ambitious projects in energy, mines, and infrastructure. The TAPI gas pipeline represents a step towards meeting the region’s energy deficits and fostering cooperation between Central Asia and South Asia.