“Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years? (Answer in 250 words)

Energy security combines reliable supply, affordability, diversification and transition, linking domestic welfare to external strategy.

Linkages

• West Asia’s hydrocarbons, diaspora, remittances and sea lanes make stable relations vital.
• India must balance Gulf partnerships, ties with Israel and Iran, and regional de-escalation.

Trajectory

• Diversify suppliers, reserves and routes; secure maritime chokepoints and critical infrastructure.
• Build renewable, green-hydrogen, grid and storage partnerships so transition becomes diplomatic cooperation.
• Use diaspora, investment and development diplomacy while maintaining strategic autonomy and a just, consumer-sensitive transition.

Keywords: international relations, energy security, West Asia, foreign policy