This is an opportune moment in the geopolitics of the region for India to think along the medium and long-term direction of creating underpinnings of a cooperative relationship with Pakistan, says MK Bhadrakumar
New Great Game for the rights to mine Afghanistan's enormous mineral wealth is gathering momentum.
A little over a year before, when the Hajigak iron ore deposit was put up for grabs, at least five companies - Essar Minerals, JSW Steel, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Sesa Goa and Ispat Industries - had evinced interest.
Five Indian metals and mining companies are in the race for acquiring mining rights for the largest iron ore deposit in war-torn Afghanistan. The government has shortlisted Vedanta group's Sesa Goa, Essar Minerals, Ispat Industries, JSW Steel and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam for a bid for the 1.8 billion tonne Hajigak iron ore deposit.
Beyond the barbed wire and watchtowers, though, lies a story that casts more than a little doubt on whether this dream will ever be realised. Praveen Swami reports.
