Punitive US tariffs have strained India’s ties with Washington and Moscow, deepening its oil dilemma as energy security clashes with sanctions. Facing trade pressures and the China factor, India must balance US economic interests with defence cooperation like S 400 and AK 203 through pragmatic multi alignment.
Click to View MoreIn February 2026, India and the GCC finalized the ToR for an FTA under the Act West policy, aiming to expand ties beyond energy into renewables, investment, and diaspora welfare. Backed by $178.56 billion trade, it supports IMEC and targets $300 billion trade by 2030.
Click to View MoreThe February 2026 trade deal between India and the United States cut tariffs to boost textiles and pharmaceuticals, benefiting hubs like Tiruppur. In return, India pledged reduced Russia energy imports, raising concerns over strategic autonomy and persistent steel tariff barriers.
Click to View MoreThe CEA’s roadmap targets 100 GW of Hydro Pumped Storage by 2047 as India’s main grid-scale storage to integrate 500 GW renewables. Despite cost, gestation, and clearance hurdles, policy support, PPPs, and faster approvals can make HPS vital for energy security and Net Zero goals.
Click to View MoreIndia’s crude oil basket has evolved from dominant dependence on West Asia to a more diversified mix, influenced by geopolitics, sanctions, price dynamics, and refinery flexibility. The decline of Iranian supplies due to sanctions, the rise of U.S. and African crude, and especially the rapid increase in discounted Russian oil since 2022 have reshaped India’s sourcing pattern. Today, India imports nearly 85% of its crude requirement, with Russia emerging as a leading supplier alongside Middle Eastern producers, reflecting a strategy focused on cost efficiency, energy security, and diplomatic balancing.
Click to View MoreIndia–Oman ties, central to India’s West Asia policy, have deepened into a strategic partnership anchored in defence, trade and culture. Duqm Port access and Hormuz proximity enhance maritime security. The proposed CEPA promises trade growth, while alignment with Oman Vision 2040 can offset regional instability and Chinese influence.
Click to View MoreThe India-Russia relationship, elevated to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," remains resilient amidst a complex multipolar world. Historically anchored in defence cooperation, the partnership is now driven by energy security, evidenced by soaring crude oil imports and collaboration on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
Click to View MoreThe Global Energy Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Puri (Dec 5–7), hosted by Odisha and the Tony Blair Institute, focuses on “Powering India: Sufficiency, Balance, Innovation.” It supports India’s pillars of energy access, efficiency, sustainability, and security while advancing cooperation, clean energy transition, technology, and Net-Zero 2070 goals.
Click to View MoreIndia’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) aims to position the country as a global leader in green hydrogen by 2030. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, offers a clean alternative to fossil fuels, helping decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like steel, fertilizers, mobility, and shipping. The Mission focuses on scaling production, promoting domestic manufacturing, fostering R&D through public-private partnerships, developing port-based hydrogen hubs, and implementing certification standards. Despite challenges like high costs, infrastructure gaps, and technology readiness, strategic policy support, financial incentives, and skill development are driving India’s transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon, and energy-secure future.
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India encourages hybrid solar-wind-storage systems to ensure a steady clean energy supply, backed by government policies, despite challenges like high costs and land shortages. To achieve sustainable energy goals and become a global leader, India needs to focus on advanced storage solutions, smart grid development, and adaptable regulations.
Click to View MoreThe US has imposed sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, raising the risk of secondary sanctions on countries and companies that continue to trade with them. India, a major importer of Russian crude, faces challenges as its refiners rely on US dollars, global financial systems, and insurance services for oil transactions. While there are no direct sanctions on Russian oil, the threat has prompted India to reconsider imports, diversify energy sources, strengthen domestic production, and expand renewable energy. The government and refiners are exploring risk mitigation strategies to maintain energy security while balancing economic and diplomatic interests.
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India’s first National Policy on Geothermal Energy, led by MNRE, marks a major step toward Net Zero 2070. It promotes 24/7 clean power through fiscal incentives, repurposed oil wells, and joint ventures to develop 10 geothermal provinces, strengthening India’s sustainable energy transition.
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