India's energy import dependence of 85% crude oil necessitates strategic energy diplomacy, particularly with Middle Eastern nations accounting for over 60% of imports.

Energy Security as India's Foreign Policy Driver

• Strategic Import Dependence: Middle East supplies 65% of India's crude oil with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and UAE as top suppliers, making energy security central to regional diplomacy
• Infrastructure Investments: India's $13 billion investment in Iran's Chabahar Port and participation in Kashagan oil field in Kazakhstan demonstrate energy-driven foreign policy
• Bilateral Energy Partnerships: Recent India-UAE CEPA 2022 includes energy cooperation worth $75 billion, while India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership encompasses renewable energy collaboration
• Diversification Imperative: Russia's emergence as 2nd largest oil supplier (2023) showcases India's multi-alignment strategy in energy sourcing
• Regional Influence: India's membership in IEA (2017) and GECF observer status enhances its voice in global energy governance

Integration Strategies for Future Trajectories

• Green Energy Diplomacy:

  • India-Middle East Green Hydrogen Alliance with UAE targeting 5 million tonnes production by 2030
  • Solar manufacturing partnerships through One Sun One World One Grid initiative
  • Joint renewable energy projects like Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park Phase V

• Strategic Infrastructure Development:

  • India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) launched at G20 2023 for energy connectivity
  • Participation in Trans-Arabian Pipeline modernization projects
  • Development of floating LNG terminals in partnership with Qatar and UAE

• Technology and Investment Cooperation:

  • ONGC Videsh investments exceeding $15 billion across Middle East and Central Asia
  • Nuclear cooperation expansion through Kudankulam Units 5-6 with Russian technology
  • Critical minerals partnerships for lithium and cobalt supply chains

• Multi-lateral Energy Frameworks:

  • Active participation in International Solar Alliance with Middle Eastern nations
  • Shanghai Cooperation Organization energy working groups
  • BRICS energy cooperation mechanism for alternative payment systems

India's energy security integration with foreign policy requires balancing traditional hydrocarbon partnerships with emerging renewable collaborations, exemplified by initiatives like National Green Hydrogen Mission 2023 and strategic petroleum reserves expansion.