Introduction

India imports about 85–88% of its crude oil, with over half sourced from OPEC/Middle East, making energy security central to foreign policy choices, strategic reserves, and long-term supply deals in West Asia.

Body

How Energy Security Constitutes the Dominant Kingpin of India’s Foreign Policy

• Diversified Oil & Gas Imports: India’s diplomacy prioritises stable supplies from West Asia, Russia, and Africa, shaping bilateral ties.
• Strategic Partnerships: Long-term supply contracts with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Russia are central to India’s external engagements.
• Geopolitical Balancing: India balances relations with the US (sanctions regimes), Russia (discounted crude), and Iran (Oil trade via Chabahar).
• Energy Infrastructure Diplomacy: Investment in overseas oilfields (ONGC Videsh in Russia, Mozambique) reflects foreign policy driven by energy needs.
• Multilateral Engagements: Forums like IEA and International Solar Alliance show energy security embedded in India’s global outreach. 

How Energy Security is Linked with India’s Overarching Influence in Middle Eastern Countries

• Oil Dependence: With nearly 60% of crude imports from the Middle East, energy trade anchors India–Gulf ties.
• Investment & Cooperation: India’s growing stakes in UAE’s ADNOC and Saudi Aramco tie bilateral relations beyond trade.
• Strategic Leverage: Reliable energy flows ensure political goodwill and space for India in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) diplomacy.
• Link to Diaspora & Remittances: Strong energy-driven economic ties complement India’s 9-million diaspora in the Gulf cooperation council countries, reinforcing influence.
• Geopolitical Balancing in West Asia: Energy security drives India’s neutral stance amidst Saudi–Iran or Israel–Gulf rivalries, enhancing diplomatic weight. 

Integrating Energy Security with India’s Foreign Policy Trajectories in the Coming Years

• Diversification of Suppliers: Expand ties with Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America to reduce West Asia dependence.
• Green Energy Diplomacy: Position India as a leader in renewables and hydrogen (ISA, Green Hydrogen Alliance).
• Regional Connectivity Projects: Strengthen projects like INSTC (via Iran), Chabahar Port, and India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEEC)for energy flows.
• Strategic Oil Reserves & Technology Collaboration: Expand reserves with UAE, Japan, and boost cooperation on carbon capture and storage.
• Climate & Security Balance: Integrate energy goals with climate diplomacy (G20, COP) while ensuring affordable access for domestic growth.

Conclusion

Keep strong ties with Gulf suppliers for steady oil, add new partners, and grow clean‑energy links. Protect key sea routes too. This mix keeps energy secure and, over time, quietly strengthens India’s standing and influence across West Asia.

DOWNLOAD PDF