Core Demand of the Question
- Importance of strategic partnerships in ensuring energy security
- India’s engagement with West Asia and diversification towards other energy suppliers
- Institutional and policy measures
|
Answer
Introduction
India’s energy security is closely linked with geopolitical stability as it imports nearly 90% of its crude oil requirements and remains heavily dependent on West Asia for oil, gas, and fertilisers. Recent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz demonstrated that diplomatic partnerships and diversified energy relationships can act as critical buffers against global supply shocks.
Best Online Coaching for UPSC
Strategic Partnerships as a Pillar of Energy Security
- Diplomatic relations ensure continuity of supply during crises : Long-term political engagement creates trust and facilitates energy flows even during conflicts.
Eg: During the West Asia crisis, Iran facilitated movement of Indian ships, while Gulf producers continued supplying energy despite regional tensions.
- Energy partnerships reduce geopolitical vulnerability : Cooperation with multiple suppliers prevents excessive dependence on a single region.
Eg: India’s engagement with Russia, the US, Africa, and Latin America provided alternatives during disruptions in Gulf energy routes.
- Maritime security cooperation protects energy corridors : Securing sea lanes is essential because most imported energy moves through vulnerable maritime chokepoints.
Eg: India’s naval deployments in the Indian Ocean help safeguard commercial shipping routes.
- Strategic partnerships support broader energy cooperation : Beyond crude imports, partnerships facilitate investment in refining, LNG, renewables, and technology. India-UAE energy cooperation includes investments in oil reserves, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
India’s Engagement with West Asia and Other Energy Suppliers
- Deepening Gulf partnerships : Gulf countries remain central to India’s energy security due to geographical proximity and established supply chains.
Eg: Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar are major suppliers of crude oil and natural gas to India.
- Maintaining balanced relations with competing regional actors : Strategic autonomy requires engagement with both US-aligned Gulf states and Iran.
Eg: India’s simultaneous cooperation with UAE and development of Chabahar Port in Iran reflects balancing diplomacy.
- Diversification beyond West Asia : Expanding suppliers reduces exposure to regional conflicts.
Eg: Increased crude imports from Russia after 2022 helped diversify India’s energy basket.
- Building domestic resilience alongside partnerships : External partnerships are strengthened by internal energy buffers.
Eg: India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves and expanding renewable capacity helped absorb the Hormuz shock.
Way Forward
- Expand diversified energy partnerships : Continue developing reliable supply chains across regions to avoid concentration risks.
Eg: Strengthening cooperation with Russia, Africa, Latin America, and the US.
- Strengthen strategic reserves and storage capacity : Increase emergency buffers against geopolitical disruptions.
Eg: Expansion of India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve beyond existing facilities. Recently, ONGC Board granted in-principle approval to fund a 1.75 MMT Phase-I extension at Mangaluru.
- Enhance renewable and alternative energy transition : Reduce long-term import dependence through domestic clean energy.
Eg: Expansion of solar capacity and ethanol blending under India’s energy transition strategy.
- Institutionalise whole-of-government energy governance : Integrate diplomacy, defence, shipping, and energy ministries for crisis response.
Eg: Coordination between MEA, Ministry of Petroleum and Indian Navy during the Hormuz crisis.
Click to Know UPSC Coaching Centres in India
Conclusion
Energy security in the contemporary geopolitical environment is not achieved only through domestic reserves but through strategic partnerships, diversified suppliers, and institutional preparedness. India’s experience during the West Asian crisis demonstrates that diplomacy itself is an energy security instrument, enabling resilience while pursuing long-term transition towards sustainable energy independence.
July 9, 2026
