Abstract
Abstract India’s demand for oil and gas is slated to rise in tandem with economic growth rates. This growing energy hunger points towards an increased dependence on the Middle East-critical not just to India’s energy security but also to global oil production and supply. The events of 11 September 2001 have refocused world attention on this region-a volatile blend of politics, oil, and instability.
A comprehensive energy strategy for India should involve a wide range of measures, forming different strands of a single strategy, and should be pursued cohesively for optimal benefits. Domestically, energy pricing policies must be made more realistic and efforts to develop indigenous energy sources must be stepped up, while attracting foreign investment to the energy sector. These must be combined with more proactive involvement of important players in India’s energy sector in seeking new investment opportunities abroad in the oil and gas sector. Simultaneously, regional and sub-regional mechanisms must be developed for cooperation in the energy sector and promotion of energy security. Measures for energy conservation and maintenance of a strategic stockpile for emergencies are also important factors to remember. These must be integrated with efforts to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.