Energy Security Options for India in the Context of Great Power Rivalry Emerging in the Indian Ocean

Abstract

The level of energy trade that swims across Indian Ocean is massive. While the ocean is far smaller than the Pacific and the Atlantic in its geographical spread, yet about 36 million barrels per day or about 40% of the global oil supply accounting for about 64% of oil trade use this stretch of water. Consequently, the Ocean has become the biggest challenge for maritime security and global sea trade. Securing energy security in this environment means ensuring that the energy lines are kept safe so that the onshore fuel dependent sectors can make long-term plans for investment. This would also depend on how well an economy builds up its navy and shipping power to address these challenges. This paper tries to look into the questions such as, HOW deep is the Indian commitment to this massive combination of opportunities and threats at her shores? How strong is the policy level and financial commitment to make inroads in the most significant geo-strategic change happening in the world economy? Are there elements of an active and integrated response taking shape?