Amid severe disruptions to global oil and gas supply chains caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
India has launched a focused diplomatic push to restore energy imports, leveraging a fragile two-week ceasefire window.
The initiative is aimed at securing the resumption of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, with New Delhi reaching out directly to key regional producers, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
As part of these efforts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and ensuring energy security amid the crisis.
In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support during the conflict and highlighted the importance of deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
The UAE remains one of India’s most trusted energy partners in the region, supplying significant volumes of crude oil and natural gas. Bilateral trade between the two countries touched $100 billion in 2024–25, with both sides aiming to scale it up to $200 billion by 2032.
Separately, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri visited Qatar, where he held talks with Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi. Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to remaining a reliable supplier and expressed intent to further strengthen energy ties with India.
India imports nearly half of its LNG requirements, with around 40 per cent sourced from Qatar—making the Gulf nation a critical pillar of its energy basket.
However, the conflict has severely impacted supplies. Missile strikes by Iran on key gas facilities forced production halts, while the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz disrupted shipping routes.
Indian LNG supplies have been particularly affected due to shutdowns of major Qatari gas plants and restrictions on maritime movement through the region.
Officials from both countries stressed the urgency of restoring stability in global energy markets, underlining the need for uninterrupted shipping lanes and smooth trade flows to sustain supply chains.
With the ceasefire offering a narrow window, India’s diplomatic outreach underscores the critical importance of energy security in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
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