India and China Bolster Energy Ties Amid Region's Rising Tensions

India and China are deepening their energy cooperation, as evidenced by recent talks between top officials from both countries. On Monday, CNPC Chairman Dai Houliang met with India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi. The meeting comes at a time when the region is experiencing increased tensions due to the sinking of Iranian tankers by American missiles.

The sinking of these tankers is expected to severely impact China's oil supplies, particularly for its smaller coastal refineries that purchase discounted crude from Iran. These refineries, known as 'teapot' refineries, rely heavily on cheap Iranian oil and will be significantly affected by the loss of this supply.

The deepening energy cooperation between India and China is a positive development in an otherwise tumultuous region. The two countries have expressed their commitment to strengthening communication and coordination in the energy sector, exploring new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as oil and gas, new energy, and green and low-carbon development.