Q19. “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?
Possible Introductions
Definition-based:
Energy security — the assured availability of energy resources at affordable prices — is central to India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer (IEA 2023). Its foreign policy, particularly with Middle Eastern countries, is deeply shaped by this imperative.
Fact-based:
India imports ~85% of its crude oil and ~50% of its natural gas, of which the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Qatar, Iran) supplies more than 60%. This dependence makes energy the pivot of India–Middle East engagement.
Philosophical:
As Henry Kissinger noted, “Who controls energy can control nations.” For India, energy security is both a strategic necessity and a diplomatic instrument.
Main Body
1. Energy Security as the Driver of India’s Middle East Policy
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- Oil & Gas Imports: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE are India’s top crude suppliers; Qatar is key for long-term LNG contracts.
- Diaspora & Remittances: ~9 million Indians in Gulf; remittances ($55–60 bn) linked with energy economies.
- Strategic Investments: OVL stakes in Abu Dhabi offshore field; India–Saudi Strategic Partnership Council.
- Chokepoints & Security: Dependence on Hormuz Strait → naval diplomacy & anti-piracy patrols.
- Balancing Rivalries: Navigating Saudi–Iran, US–Iran sanctions, and Israel–Arab dynamics.
2. How to Integrate Energy Security with Foreign Policy Trajectories (Future)
(a) Diversification & Long-Term Contracts
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- Secure long-term LNG/oil contracts with Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia.
- Revisit Iran (post-sanctions) for oil & Chabahar-based energy corridor.
- Tap Eastern Mediterranean gas (Israel–Cyprus–Greece linkages).
(b) Energy Diplomacy Platforms
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- Institutionalise India–GCC Energy Dialogue.
- Expand IEA association & BRICS Energy Research Platform for collective bargaining.
(c) Renewables & Green Partnerships
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- Use ISA (International Solar Alliance) to co-invest in solar parks in Middle East deserts.
- Collaborate with UAE (IRENA HQ in Abu Dhabi) on green hydrogen projects.
- India–Saudi cooperation in “Oil to Hydrogen” transition.
(d) Strategic Reserves & Infrastructure
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- Expand Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves with Gulf partnerships.
- Joint ventures in refining (e.g., Ratnagiri mega-refinery with Aramco & ADNOC).
(e) Geopolitical Linkages
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- Use energy interdependence to deepen defence, counter-terror, and maritime partnerships.
- Position India as a key energy transit hub through INSTC + Chabahar + IMEC (India–Middle East–Europe Corridor).
(f) Technology & Transition
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- Joint R&D with Gulf states on CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation, Storage), AI in energy optimisation.
- Attract Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds into India’s renewables.
Sweet Spot – Table
| Energy Security Dimension | Middle East Link | Foreign Policy Integration |
|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Saudi, Iraq, Iran, Qatar | Long-term contracts, Chabahar access |
| Green Energy | UAE, Saudi solar & hydrogen | ISA, IRENA, co-investments |
| Security of Supply | Hormuz Strait, piracy | Naval diplomacy, IONS, SAGAR vision |
| Infrastructure | Refining, reserves | Gulf investments in Indian refineries |
| Technology | CCUS, hydrogen | Joint R&D partnerships |
Possible Conclusions
Balanced:
Energy security will remain the kingpin of India’s foreign policy, especially with the Middle East, but its scope is widening from hydrocarbons to renewables and green hydrogen.
Policy-linked:
By aligning energy security with initiatives like SAGAR, ISA, and IMEC, India can ensure supply security while boosting strategic influence.
Philosophical:
Energy is no longer just a commodity; it is a geopolitical currency shaping India’s rise in the global order.
Forward-looking:
For India@2047, integrating energy security with foreign policy means pursuing a “dual diplomacy” — securing hydrocarbons today, while co-leading the global clean energy transition tomorrow.
