BBIN—A Post-SAARC Phenomenon: Unlocking the Potential for Energy Cooperation offers a timely and incisive analysis of sub-regionalism in South Asia through the lens of energy diplomacy and regional integration. As SAARC remains hindered by geopolitical constraints, this book positions the BBIN framework as a strategic and action-oriented alternative for fostering connectivity, economic interdependence, and energy security. Drawing from robust field research, empirical data, and in-depth interviews with regional experts and policymakers, the book presents a compelling case for energy cooperation as the cornerstone of BBIN’s success.
The study critically examines the institutional, infrastructural, and policy dimensions shaping energy trade in the region, highlighting both opportunities and obstacles. It equips readers with fresh theoretical insights, aids policy analysts in identifying viable frameworks for cooperation, and supports practitioners in designing context-sensitive, cross-border energy strategies. By bridging scholarship and policy through academic depth and practical relevance, the book empowers stakeholders to turn regional aspirations into actionable, impactful outcomes for shaping a more integrated and sustainable South Asia.
Simi Mehta
Dr. Simi Mehta is CEO and Editorial Director, IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi. She is also the Academic Director of Oxford Group of Institutions. She holds a PhD in American Studies from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and was a Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellow at Ohio State University, USA. She holds a Master’s Degree from JNU in International Relations. Dr Mehta has served as Assistant Professor in Political Science at Maitreyi College, University of Delhi for over 5 years. She has been a visiting scholar at the Food and Agricultural Organisation, Washington D.C. Liaison Office as well as the Martin Institute of the University of Idaho, USA.
She represented India in the South Asia Connect program for startup entrepreneurs, at Nexus Startup Hub at the American Center, New Delhi, and was subsequently selected for the 50-day pre-incubation program at the Center, conducted by the IC2 Institute, University of Texas, Austin.
Her areas of research include gender in foreign policy, international security studies, sustainable development, climate change, gender justice, food and energy security. She is a regular commentator on these issues in print and electronic media, and has contributed more than 5 dozen research articles in reputed national and international journals. Simi is the author of the book Lessons in Sustainable Development from Bangladesh and India (Palgrave, 2019). Simi is the Managing Editor of the biannual research journal: Impact and Policy Research Review (e-ISSN: 2563-3464) managed and published by IMPRI.
She has led and convened several multi-country projects, for instance, Environmental Refugees: Climate, Health and Livelihood in the Indian Ocean World; Examining the Feasibility of an East-West Economic Corridor for South and Central Asia: Views from India and Pakistan; Feminist Foreign Policy: Praxis for a Peaceful and Gender Just World Order; Feminist Foreign Policy: Past, Present and Future.
Contents
Preface
Tables
Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Theorising Sub-regionalism in the Study of International Relations
3. Pillars of Energy Cooperation in BBIN
4. Challenges to Energy Cooperation at the Regional and Sub-Regional Level
5. The Way Forward and Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
Political Science
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