“Energy security is integral to a nation’s strategic autonomy.” In light of this statement, critically analyze India’s approach towards achieving energy security with special reference to energy diplomacy, infrastructure development, and diversification of energy mix.

Answer: Model Answer approach

Introduction: You might use a definition-based approach or discuss current events pertaining to India’s energy security initiatives.

• The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines energy security as the ongoing availability of reasonably priced energy sources. It is a general term that links a nation’s overall national security to the availability of its natural resources. By 2040, the Indian government plans to achieve “Energy Atmanirbharta,” which prioritizes “energy security” and our “strategic autonomy.”

Body: Describe India’s efforts to ensure energy security. For greater clarity, include appropriate justifications for each point. List the challenges India faces in achieving energy security. You can also include important information, statistics, and projects to support your claims.

India’s efforts to ensure energy security

• Under the framework of bilateral cooperation, India exports electricity to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. The SAARC energy agreement on electrical cooperation, which was concluded in 2014, also includes India. In order to connect several regional grids and transfer renewable energy power, India spearheaded the International Solar Alliance and the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) program.
• For further collaboration in clean energy and energy security, India has signed the India-US Nuclear Deal and the India-Japan Civil Nuclear Deal. Bhutan’s Kurichu and Mangdechhu hydroelectric power stations provide electricity to India. India also participates in Nepal’s initiatives, such as the Upper Karnali Project and the Mahakali Treaty.

Conclusion: Provide a forward-looking tone that demonstrates a future strategy for attaining independence and advantages for India’s energy security.

• Strategic initiatives such as the India Energy Security Scenarios (IESS) tool demonstrate India’s focus on improving efficiency and expanding access to renewable energy. Going forward, attaining long-term energy security and sustainability objectives would require sustained infrastructure investment, especially in the distribution and refinement of gas and oil, as well as the creation of storage solutions by the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI).

Practice Question

Question: Examine the significance of strategic petroleum reserves and the City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks in strengthening India’s energy security. How do these initiatives contribute to reducing India’s dependence on energy imports?

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