The Caspian Summit
By the Editor

OF LATE, leaders of the five Caspian States — Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan assembled for the second Summit in Tehran to discuss in essence on how best to divide the resource-rich seabed.

Yet, it is strategic importance of the five nations and their political stand that is giving new dimensions and impact to their alliance.

The geo-political significance of the region has also augmented with Europe’s plan to diversify its energy resources with a pipeline along the seabed to carry gas from Central Asia through Turkey bypassing Russia.

Strategists accept as true that the grouping of the Caspian States is a manifestation of yet another attempt by nations of the world to get rid of a global monopoly and give birth to multi-polar world.

It was in this backdrop that prima facie, some of the super powers tried their best to thwart the Summit.

This also demonstrates that the United States was tired of the increasing influence of the Russian Federation specially in its immediate neighborhood.

Caspian Sea grouping along with Shanghai Cooperation Organization that includes China as well could become a powerful counter-weight to such a US influence in the region.

At the same time, Washington went extra-mile to embrace India as its strategic ally which is seen an attempt to wean away New Delhi from its long time partner Moscow.

But Russia’s strong influence over Central Asian States undermines the real objectives of the US adventure in Afghanistan.
Likewise, the Summit has been seen as a diplomatic boost to Iran, which is constantly being marginalized by the United States and its coteries over nuclear issue.

The warning issued by President Vladimir Putin about military action against Iran and his support for Iran’s right to nuclear energy is ought to mean much for Tehran.

Again it is equally significant that the Caspian countries have opposed use of force and made it clear that they will not allow use of their soil for any action against other Caspian littoral States.

We feel optimistic that though it will take some time before association of the Caspian Sea States becomes a factor to be reckoned with but it has the potential to play positive role in stabilizing the region – having epic significance – for long times to come.●