Paper: GS – III, Subject: Economy, Topic: Broad/Overlap, Issue: Steps to ensure energy sovereignty.
Context:
India imports 85% of crude oil and more than 50% natural gas, a major strategic vulnerability. Global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East flashpoints, Red Sea disruptions etc have exposed the fragility of global supply chains. Energy security is no longer just an economic issue, but a national security imperative.
Key Highlights:
India’s Current Energy Scenario:
- Russia as major supplier: Since 2022, Russia accounts for 35–40% of India’s crude imports (vs 2% pre-Ukraine war).
- FY 2023–24 Trade:
- Imports = $677 billion.
- Oil & gas = $170 billion (~25% of total imports).
- Challenges:
- Trade deficit, rupee pressure, macroeconomic instability.
- Overdependence on few suppliers.
Historical Flashpoints of Energy Fragility:
Lessons from Flashpoints:
- Energy is not just a commodity, but a strategic weapon.
- Diversification (not substitution) is the true currency of sovereignty.
- Over-reliance on single sources = high vulnerability.
Challenges in Global Energy Transition:
- Fossil fuels still provide 80% of global energy.
- Even though Renewables share is rising, Solar/wind account for less than 10% of global share and has Intermittency problem (lack of storage, balancing).
- Energy demand growth in India remains perpetuating dependence on imports.
Energy Realism for India:
- Coal & Gas: Will remain critical for decades; domestic production must expand.
- Diversification: Methanol, biofuels, green hydrogen, CBG, and nuclear must complement fossil fuels.
- Agriculture Link: Energy policies must support farmers (CBG plants, fertilizers, income).
- Infrastructure: Investment in pipelines, refineries, LNG terminals, and renewable storage facilities.
Pathways to Energy Sovereignty:
Conclusion:
Energy sovereignty is the new oil — a strategic shield in an unstable world. A diversified and domestically anchored energy strategy is essential to safeguard economic stability and national security in the 21st century.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
