The development of energy markets in South and South-V\fest Asia, through the creation of regional energy grids and cross-country pipelines across the subregion as a part of the proposed Asian energy highway, could assist the subregion in promoting energy access and security. Diversification of the energy mix and an increase in the share of renewable energy, such as solar and hydroelectric power, is essential to enhance the subregion’s energy security, to reduce the impact of price shocks due to fluctuations in international crude oil prices and to mitigate the environmental impact of energy use. This, in turn, creates more and better jobs in addition to building productive capacity, particularly in the subregion's least developed countries. Regional cooperation can play a pivotal role in crafting solutions to shared vulnerabilities and helping ensure food and energy security, as well as reducing the subregion’s vulnerability to natural disasters.