1. Regional Cooperation for Afghanistan Angira Sen Sarma, Ph
Regional Cooperation for Afghanistan Angira Sen Sarma, Ph.D Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Salon Presentation, Bard College 24 July 2015

2. Map

3. How important is regional cooperation for Afghanistan?
“Situated at the crossroad of Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East, Afghanistan has a unique geo-strategic location to promote regional cooperation not only in its surrounding regions, but also beyond. After decades of instability, Afghanistan now has a unique opportunity to realize its potential as a “land bridge” between the mentioned regions to facilitate the flow of goods, energy and people; thus paving the road for regionalism built on mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghanistan) 
President Karzai at the 14th SAARC summit said: “enhanced regional cooperation must be pursued for the sake of regional economic and political stability.”
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

4. Objectives of the Study
Convergence of Interests that drives regional cooperation
Existing institutional mechanisms that can promote regional cooperation (SCO, ‘Heart of Asia’, Dushanbe 4)
Economic integration as one of the major means to foster regional cooperation.
TAPI, CASA 1000 (as Case Studies)
Impediments to regional cooperation

5. Net Cultivation of Opium Poppy in Afghanistan, 2004-2013 (hectares)
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
131,
000
104,
165,
193,
157,
123,
154,
209,
UN World Drug Report 2014

6. Production of Opium in Afghanistan, 2004-2013 (tons)
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
4,200
4,100
5300
7400
5900
4000
3600
5800
3700
5500
UN World Drug Report 2014

7. Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline (TAPI)

8. Concluding Remarks
Afghanistan needs a strong economy, firm political institutions and social infrastructures to address the multiple challenges the country faces today
As important stakeholders, cooperation among the regional countries for Afghanistan assumes greater significance
Increase cooperation among regional countries to promote economic integration and develop Afghanistan as a hub connecting different regions of the world
Successful completion and implementation of projects like TAPI could be a 'game changer' for the region.

9. Thank You