India's Energy Diplomacy

Question 1

Q. What is Energy Diplomacy?

Answer 1

Ans : *It pertains to government-related foreign activities that aim to ensure a country’s energy security while promoting business opportunities related to the energy sector. It seeks to :
1. Secure a sustainable source of energy
2. Use energy capacities as an instrument of foreign policy.

Question 2

Q. How is India pursuing energy diplomacy?

Answer 2

Ans : 1. Power transmission: SAARC energy agreement on electricity cooperation signed in 2014; India exports power to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
2. Renewable energy transmission: ISA & OSOWOG initiative.
3. Pipe connectivity: TAPI pipeline to transport natural gas gas from Turkmenistan to the remaining three countries .
4. Nuclear energy cooperation : Indo-US Nuclear deal; India-Japan Civil Nuclear Deal.
5. Hydroelectric cooperation : India imports power from hydroelectric powerplants in Bhutan; India is involved in the projects of Nepal including Mahakali treaty, Arun projects etc .

Question 3

Q. What are some challenges in India’s energy diplomacy ?

Answer 3

Ans : 1. Source from the single region : Persian Gulf has remained at more than 60% of the total import of oil and gas.
2. Power charges : Are challenging to decide.
3. Technology constraint .
4. Overdependence on coal ; Coal accounted for nearly 50% of power generation.
5. Energy Infrastructure Bottlenecks.

Question 4

Q. What are some “Way Forwards” for India’s Energy diplomacy?

Answer 4

Ans : 1.Import diversification: Currently, ONGC Videsh owns Participating Interests in 32 oil and has assets in 15 countries .
2. Geographical Advantage
3. Investment and Financial Resources .
4. Investment and Financial Resources : India has earmarked US $ 2 billion to international financial for solar by 2025.
5. Better monitoring and cooperation .