In the present-day world, economic and political power of countries is related to the extent of their access or controlling the energy resources. But, at the same time, it can be argued that greater the extent of economic and commercial activities of a geographical region based on priorities of sustainable development, larger will be the convergence and reduction in tension in relations among the regional governments and the degree of stability and security in the region will also be enhanced.
In this connection, Iran, in view of its geo-strategic location, that its location between the two energy-producing regions in the world, namely the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea, can play an important role in the energy transfer equation between the East and the West.
One of the major routes for the transfer of energy to South Asia is the "Pipeline of Peace". Ever-increasing pace of progress in the South Asian countries and anticipation of their future energy needs have given significance to this very important pipeline.
While Pakistan and India have presently put in abeyance their age-old dispute on Kashmir and reached this conclusion that they should show flexibility in procuring their energy needs and in finding the ways of compromise, it is on this very account that this pipeline has been named as the "Pipeline of Peace".
This huge economic project has also influenced political events and ties among regional states, and it is but natural that it is also accompanied with various hurdles.
However, despite all the obstructions created by the big powers of the world, one cannot negate the positive impacts and significance of this pipeline in various aspects.
Iran, Pakistan and India hope to benefit from this pipeline as a point of proceeding towards a regional project which will bring about durable peace aided by the more expanded interests.
Also benefiting from this pipeline can lead to regional convergence which will shape up the basis of economic needs, sustainable progress and stability. This is the same point which the leaders of Iran, Pakistan and India have pointed out.
For Pakistan and India, now the diplomacy of "Pipeline of Peace" is similar to the continuation of the cricket diplomacy which they have, for the past many years, embarked upon, and for Iran it is continuation of the diplomacy of regional progress, peace and stability in South Asia.
Undoubtedly, export of gas to South Asia is viewed as an economic, political and security strategy for Iran, Pakistan and India and efforts should be made so that this mega economic project is speedily realised and the dream on the "Pipeline of Peace" becomes a reality.
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