India Set to Redefine Resource Equations in South Asia

Recent discoveries in China, Pakistan, and India are redrawing the global resource landscape. Against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics, Asia’s vast gold and oil deposits are more than just headlines—they could spark profound regional transformation. India is experiencing a renaissance of its own. While the country has found gold deposits across 18 sites in Odisha, the Guyana-scale oil field in the Andaman Sea present a more significant opportunity. These discoveries could boost India’s economic ambitions,

propelling it toward its goal of becoming a $20 trillion economy.

China’ recently announced the world’s largest known gold deposit in Hunan province, which is valued at over $80 billion. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s surprising find along the Indus River (estimated at Rs 80,000 crore) offers a rare sense of hope for the financially ruined nation.

The simultaneous timing of these finds signals a deeper narrative of untapped potential across South Asia. However, optimizing the economic benfits out of this is still a few miles of responsible stewardship away. Environmental safeguards, equitable distribution of wealth, and diplomatic foresight will be key to ensuring these resources don’t become sources of conflict or corruption. The next chapter in South Asia’s economic story may well be written in gold and oil. This special yearly issue explores more about the leaders who are capable of taking Asia to this promised land. Do let us know your thoughts.