The geopolitical landscape of Central Asia is a complex and dynamic arena, especially when it comes to energy resources. Ramakrushna Pradhan's book, Geopolitics of Energy in Central Asia: India's Position and Policy addresses this complicated issue, focusing on India's strategic interests and policy responses.

The book is divided into several sections, each dealing with different aspects of the geopolitics of energy in Central Asia. It begins with an introduction to the region's energy resources and their global significance. The following chapters deal with the interests and policies of major global players, including the United States, China and Russia. The last part of the book focuses on India's position, policy responses and strategic interests in the region.

Pradhan provides a detailed overview of Central Asia's energy resources, particularly oil and gas. He discusses the major energy-producing countries in the region, such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and their role in the global energy market. One of the strengths of the book is the analysis of the interests and policies of the major global players in Central Asia. Pradhan discusses the strategic goals of the United States, China and Russia and examines their competition and cooperation in the region. For example, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its investments in Central Asian energy infrastructure are examined in detail.

Pradhan's analysis of India's strategic interests in Central Asia is particularly insightful. He argues that India's energy security is closely linked to the region's resources. The book discusses India's efforts to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on oil from the Middle East. Pradhan also highlights India's participation in regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its influence in Central Asia.

Ramakrushna Pradhan's Geopolitics of Energy in Central Asia: India's Position and Policy is a valuable contribution to the field of energy geopolitics. It provides a detailed and balanced analysis of the region's energy landscape and the interests of major global players. The book is particularly insightful in its discussion of India's strategic interests and policy responses. For policy makers, academics and anyone interested in energy geopolitics, Pradhan's work is a must read.

Szabolcs Veres is a researcher at the Eurasia Center