Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

Energy security refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy at an affordable price. For India, it is not merely an economic necessity but also a geopolitical lever, shaping its external relations and strategic autonomy. With India importing over 85% of its crude oil and nearly 50% of its gas demand, the issue acquires heightened urgency amid great-power rivalry and shifting global energy markets.

Body :

Challenges to India’s Energy Security

• High Import Dependence: India remains vulnerable to global price shocks, e.g., Brent crude volatility during the Russia–Ukraine conflict (2022).
• Geopolitical Tensions: Unrest in West Asia or blockades at chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz threaten supplies.
• Great-Power Competition: China’s aggressive energy diplomacy in Africa and the Middle East constrains India’s access.
• Clean Energy Transition: Balancing fossil fuel dependence with climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
• Critical Mineral Shortage: Lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, crucial for green technologies, are dominated by a few powers.

Recalibrating India’s Energy Diplomacy

• Diversification of Sources:
  • Expanding oil/LNG imports from US, Russia, Latin America, and Africa to reduce West Asia dependence.
  • Example: India increased discounted crude imports from Russia despite Western sanctions.
• Long-term Contracts & Equity Stakes:
  • Securing supply through Qatar LNG deal and ONCG Videsh investments in oil blocks in Vietnam, Mozambique, and Russia.
• Strengthening Strategic Reserves & Infrastructure:
  • Current 39 MMT Strategic Petroleum Reserves cover only about 9.5 days; expansion to 87 days is underway.
• Clean Energy Diplomacy:
  • Leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with 120+ members.
  • Ambition to become a global hub for green hydrogen production.
• Critical Minerals Partnership:
  • Engagement with Australia, Chile, and African nations for lithium and cobalt supply chains.
• Regional & Multilateral Cooperation:
  • Participation in Quad’s clean energy initiatives and G20 energy platforms to hedge against great-power pressures.

Conclusion:

In the era of great power rivalry, India’s energy diplomacy must integrate diversification, infrastructure resilience, renewable adoption, and regional cooperation. As energy scholar Daniel Yergin notes, “Energy security is inseparable from national security,”—a reminder that India’s energy choices today will shape its global power status tomorrow.