# Afghanistan regional connectivity and infrastructure efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afghanistan-regional-connectivity-and-infrastructure-efforts
> Updated: 2026-08-10T12:57:36.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Afghanistan is pursuing regional connectivity through digital and energy infrastructure projects. In July 2026, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar proposed that Afghanistan serve as a “data-transit corridor” linking South and Central Asia, emphasizing the need for expanded telecommunications and digital governance.

By August 2026, focus shifted toward energy infrastructure during meetings between Baradar and Turkmenistan’s National Leader, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. Discussions in Herat centered on the progress of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline. Baradar proposed a long-term gas agreement with flexible pricing and called for a regional gas distribution network. Both leaders also discussed enhancing trade via border crossings, port access, and railway reconstruction.

## Claims

- Baradar urged Turkmenistan to reach an agreement on gas pricing using a formula that avoids European market fluctuations. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Baradar proposed a long-term gas agreement with simple terms and a flexible review mechanism. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Afghanistan requested cooperation in building a gas distribution and consumption network in Herat province. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Turkmenistan expressed readiness to cooperate on the TAPI pipeline and a gas distribution network in Herat. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Foreign companies have expressed interest in investing in the TAPI project. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Baradar called for reopening the Aqina border crossing for oil transit and facilitating Afghan goods at Turkmenbashi port. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Work on the TAPI project in Herat is progressing according to the scheduled timeframe. (single source)
- The TAPI pipeline and power transmission projects are expected to improve energy access and create jobs in Afghanistan. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: TAPI pipeline progress discussed by Afghan and Turkmen leaders in Herat

Afghan Deputy PM Baradar and Turkmen leader Berdimuhamedow met in Herat to advance the TAPI gas pipeline, discussing long-term pricing, infrastructure, and expanded regional trade cooperation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tapi-pipeline-progress-discussed-by-afghan-and-turkmen-leaders-in-herat

### 2026-07-26: Afghanistan Deputy PM Baradar Promotes Data Transit Link Between South and Central Asia

Afghan Deputy PM Baradar says the country can become a data‑transit link between South and Central Asia, citing telecom expansion and digital‑governance advances.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afghanistan-deputy-pm-baradar-promotes-data-transit-link-between-south-and-central-asia

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Cite as: Afghanistan regional connectivity and infrastructure efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afghanistan-regional-connectivity-and-infrastructure-efforts