Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?

UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 2 Question Paper

Q. Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?

Introduction:
Energy security—ensuring reliable, affordable and diversified energy supply—is a central pillar of India’s foreign policy, especially shaping its engagement with West Asia (Middle East).

1. Link Between Energy Security & Foreign Policy

• India imports ~85% crude oil, ~50% gas → high external dependence
• West Asia supplies ~60% of oil imports
• Energy ties drive:
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Diaspora protection (~8–9 million Indians in Gulf)
  • Trade & investment flows

2. Current Foreign Policy Trajectory

(a) West Asia Outreach

• Strong ties with:
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Iran
• Long-term crude supply agreements
• Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) partnerships

(b) Diversification Strategy

• Expanding imports from:
  • Russia (discounted oil post-Ukraine war)
  • United States
  • Africa
    → Reduces overdependence on Middle East

(c) Multilateral & Regional Platforms

• International Solar Alliance (ISA) leadership
• IEA engagement (association status)
• I2U2 grouping (India–Israel–UAE–USA)

3. Challenges

• Geopolitical instability (Iran–Israel tensions, Gulf conflicts)
• Supply disruptions (Russia–Ukraine war)
• Price volatility → inflationary pressures
• Energy transition vs fossil fuel dependence

4. Integrating Energy Security with Foreign Policy (Way Forward)

(a) Strategic Diversification

• Broaden supplier base (Latin America, Africa)
• Invest in overseas oil & gas assets (ONGC Videsh)

(b) Strengthening West Asia Partnerships

• Move beyond buyer–seller → comprehensive strategic ties
• Collaborate in:
  • Petrochemicals
  • Infrastructure
  • Food-energy corridors

(c) Energy Transition Diplomacy

• Lead renewable energy alliances
• Export green hydrogen technologies
• Collaborate with Gulf countries on clean energy investments

(d) Maritime & Supply Chain Security

• Secure Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
• Strengthen presence in Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

(e) Strategic Reserves & Domestic Capacity

• Expand Strategic Petroleum Reserves
• Promote biofuels, EVs, solar energy
• Reduce import dependence long-term

(f) Diaspora & Economic Diplomacy

• Protect Indian workforce in Gulf
• Leverage remittances (~$100 billion annually)

5. Strategic Significance

• Enhances India’s geopolitical leverage
• Balances relations (US–Iran, Israel–Arab world)
• Positions India as energy transition leader of Global South

6. Overall Assessment

• Shift from passive import dependence → proactive energy diplomacy
• Balancing energy security + strategic autonomy

Conclusion:
Integrating energy security with foreign policy through diversification, strategic partnerships and clean energy leadership will be crucial for sustaining India’s growth and global influence.

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