BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

INDIA’S ENERGY DIPLOMACY AND GEOPOLITICS IN SOUTH ASIA

Author: Lam-ya Mostaque

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.566888/BIISSj2022v43n2a4

ABSTRACT

India, with its rapid economic growth, has emerged as one of the most energyhungry countries in the 21st century. The country is still dependent on energy imports to a large extent. Therefore, diplomacy in ensuring energy security plays an important role in its overall development, security, and power. On the other hand, in the era of the energy transition, countries are also using investment and technical know-how in clean energy to strengthen their strategic influence. In this background, the article raises the following questions: What is the nature of India’s energy diplomacy? How is India’s energy diplomacy navigating geopolitics in South Asia? The article finds that India is actively pursuing multiple goals in energy diplomacy, ensuring the meeting of its energy demands either through import or by building domestic capacity. It is also using cooperation in the energy sector to create bonds with other nations. In the South Asian energy scenario, India is faced with competition from China. The paper argues that India, being the giant power in South Asia and an advantageous position in the geopolitical game, needs to extend its hands of cooperation in the energy sector more. The other South Asian nations, on the other hand, have an opportunity to work with both of the rising powers for the betterment of their economies.