Q. “The future of India’s energy diplomacy will be determined as much by green technologies as by oil and gas.” Critically examine. (10 marks, 150 words)
Directions: Intro------Oil and gas will continue + Green technologies will shape diplomacy + Critical examination------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Describe India’s energy diplomacy.
Main Body
Why will oil and gas continue to matter?
- High import dependence
- Energy transition will take time – Transport, petrochemicals, fertilisers and several industrial sectors cannot be rapidly decarbonised.
- Strategic partnerships – Deepen India's relationships with Russia, West Asia, the US and other hydrocarbon-producing countries.
- Price and geopolitical shocks – Conflicts and disruptions in major producing regions.
- Strategic reserves – Oil remains important for maintaining an emergency energy buffer.
- Economic vulnerability – Oil-price spikes can increase inflation and widen the trade deficit.
Why will green technologies increasingly shape diplomacy?
- From resource geopolitics to technology geopolitics – Competition shifts from access to oil fields and gas reserves towards access to technology, manufacturing capacity and critical minerals.
- Green hydrogen diplomacy – National Green Hydrogen Mission, an opportunity to become a producer and exporter of green hydrogen and derivatives like Green Ammonia.
- Renewable energy – India’s solar energy initiatives - International Solar Alliance - opportunity to position itself as a leader of the Global South in affordable clean-energy solutions.
- Critical minerals – Dependence on concentrated mineral supply chains could create a new form of strategic vulnerability; therefore, India needs partnerships for critical minerals.
- Technology & manufacturing partnerships – Batteries, EVs, Solar PV cells, nuclear energy, smart grid, etc.
- Climate diplomacy – India's renewable-energy expansion strengthens its position in global climate forums, demonstrating development & decarbonisation can be pursued simultaneously.
Critical examination
- Green transition also creates new vulnerabilities - shift to green energy does not automatically mean energy independence.
- Critical-mineral dependence can replace hydrocarbon dependence.
- Renewable generation is intermittent, requiring storage and stronger transmission networks.
- Advanced clean technologies concentrated in a few countries.
- Developing countries face significant financing and technology-access constraints.
- Rapid decarbonisation without adequate alternatives undermines developmental priorities.
Conclusion:
Give a balanced conclusion and suggest some measures.
Securing today's energy needs while acquiring the technologies and supply chains that will power tomorrow's economy.
