Overview
This book is an interdisciplinary, trans-regional analysis of economic integration and its implications for India's external security, focusing on six South and Central Asian nations referred to as UTTAPI. It covers trade, infrastructure, human security, and transport connectivity since 1991. Structured in five chapters plus a conclusion, the book begins with an introduction to its scope, theoretical foundation, and the geopolitical relevance of the UTTAPI region. Chapter two examines trade volume and integration trends from 1991 to 2020, analysing their impact on national economies. Chapter three assesses transportation corridors-road, rail, air, and potential water routes-alongside energy cooperation and cultural exchanges like tourism and education. Chapter four explores development indicators, human security issues, smuggling, and peace prospects. Chapter five evaluates regional integration in relation to India's external security, identifying opportunities and threats. The concluding chapter synthesises key findings and presents actionable policy suggestions for regional cooperation and India's strategic interests.Chittaranjan Senapati is a renowned academic and policy researcher specialising in comparative regionalism & international relations related to South and Central Asian geopolitics, regional economic integration, and international security. With over 21 years of experience in interdisciplinary research and teaching, the author has contributed to several policy papers and academic journals focusing on trade, human security, and development issues. Currently working as an associate professor since 2013 with Giri Institute of Development Studies, Lucknow (An ICSSR institute). He presented his work at national and international conferences. His research bridges economics and security studies, offering practical insights for policymakers. The author visited abroad extensively to his academic reasons. Beyond academia,
