India energy security policy balances reliable supply and clean transition amid West Asia crisis

India is shaping energy policy around two aims, as regional tensions affect global supplies. EAC–PM Chairman S Mahendra Dev said this balance supports energy security. Dev linked it to sustainable growth and a shift to cleaner sources. Dev spoke on Friday during the ISID-WIDER conference, as conflict in West Asia influenced prices.

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Dev said recent geopolitical events showed how exposed the world economy remains. Dev cited wars in West Asia as one example. Dev said these shocks affect global energy security and prices. Dev added, "These events have brought renewed focus on one fundamental truth...energy security is central to sustained, resilient, and inclusive economic growth.\"

India energy security and clean energy transition

Dev said India’s policy approach changed in response to these risks. Dev said it now balances reliability with long-term sustainability. Dev said one goal is dependable, affordable energy for growth and equity. Dev said the other goal is a faster move to cleaner systems. Dev added, \"And this dual commitment is clearly articulated in Indias climate strategy.\"

Dev also listed continuing global pressures on economies. Dev said these include geopolitical fragmentation and volatile financial conditions. Dev added that supply chains remain vulnerable. Dev said uncertainty rose due to recent wars and tariff shocks. Dev said the world now looks more fractured or multipolar than before.

Global energy security and multilateral institutions

Dev said multilateral institutions have weakened in this environment. Dev pointed to the rule-based WTO as an example. Dev said there is sustained demand to reform multilateral development banks. Dev named the IMF and the World Bank while discussing those reform calls. Dev framed these issues as part of the wider global turmoil.

Atmanirbhar Bharat and strategic manufacturing for energy security

Dev said India’s response to wars, tariff shocks, and manufacturing protection is self-reliant India. Dev said, \"We call it Atmanirbhar Bharat,\" while describing the approach. Dev said the government has taken steps like ease of doing business and deregulation. Dev said these reforms aim to strengthen India’s economic resilience.

Dev said self-reliance is not a return to older import substitution policies. Dev said the focus is strategic manufacturing. Dev said India is working to improve competitiveness and produce quality goods. Dev said this supports domestic consumption as well as exports. Dev linked competitiveness to stability during external shocks.

India energy security and green industrialisation agenda

Dev placed India’s green industrialisation agenda inside a wider development plan. Dev said the strategy centres on energy security, manufacturing, employment, and inclusive growth. Dev said the transition must be ambitious and equitable. Dev said India can meet development goals with policy, innovation, and collective effort.

The conference hosted by UNU-WIDER with ISID brought together several groups. Participants included researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners. The programme examined growth, governance, and geopolitics under a fractured world order. Dev’s remarks tied energy security, clean transition, and self-reliance to that broader discussion.

With inputs from PTI