India Must Diversify Energy Supplies Amid West Asian Tensions

India is facing growing security tensions in West Asia that threaten its energy supplies. To mitigate this risk, experts recommend a multi-route energy strategy to diversify crude and gas suppliers and expand storage and port infrastructure.

The recent flare-up involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels has highlighted the risks for India of relying on a limited number of routes and infrastructure for its energy imports. The Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly a fifth of global energy supplies during peacetime, has been disrupted since February.

India imported about 1.8 billion barrels of crude oil in 2025, with 48% coming from the Gulf region, according to Rajeev Agarwal, a senior research consultant at the New Delhi-based Chintan Research Foundation.