Energy as a Tool of Regional Integration: India's Cross-Border Power Diplomacy in South Asia

Energy has emerged as a critical instrument for fostering regional integration in South Asia, a region marked by acute energy deficits, uneven resource distribution, and persistent geopolitical tensions. This paper examines India’s cross-border power diplomacy as a strategic tool to promote economic interdependence, regional connectivity, and political trust among its neighbours. By analysing key bilateral and multilateral energy initiatives—particularly with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh—the study highlights how electricity trade, hydropower cooperation, and grid interconnections have contributed to mutual economic gains and stability. The paper also situates India’s approach within broader theoretical frameworks of liberal institutionalism and complex interdependence, demonstrating how energy cooperation can transcend traditional security dilemmas. However, challenges such as political instability, China’s growing regional footprint, and infrastructural constraints continue to limit the full potential of energy-led integration. The study concludes that a more institutionalised, inclusive, and sustainable energy framework can significantly enhance regional cohesion and position India as a pivotal energy hub in South Asia.