Significance of Energy Security in 21st century with reference to Nuclear Energy Scenario of India

Abstract

In contemporary international relations energy security is one of the most important and contested elements of state security in times of war and peace. Most of the conflicts and wars are directly or indirectly caused by energy resources mainly oil and gas in various regions of the world. The cut throat race and political struggle over energy resources have motivated the states to find out a strategic alternative which will be safe and cheap to sustain their industrial infrastructure. The new thinking has been prevailed and nuclear energy becomes an available source of energy to reduce the foreign dependence of states. Keeping in view this paper will briefly analyze the importance of nuclear energy in 21 st century, however the main focus will over India energy scenario. The main argument is based on that India need to increase its energy production to meet the energy security challenges and reduce the politically insecure dependence on foreign energy supplies. In this context nuclear energy is one of the safest and profitable alternatives to balance the challenges. From last few years, India has focused on nuclear cooperation agreements with various countries for a regular nuclear fuel supply. Such agreements are with countries rich in nuclear fuel and possessing advanced technology in field of nuclear power production. The nuclear energy will provide sustainable structure of energy security scenario of India.