In moments of global uncertainty, nations are tested not merely by the strength of their economy or military power, but by the maturity of their diplomacy and the clarity of their leadership. As the world grapples with a severe energy shock triggered by the escalating West Asian conflict and disruptions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, India’s calibrated response under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar demonstrates how decisive leadership and strategic diplomacy can protect national interests even in turbulent times.
India today is the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil and petroleum products. The country’s monthly petroleum consumption averages nearly 20 million metric tonnes, with petrol demand around 4.25 million tonnes per month, diesel 10.29 million tonnes, and LPG consumption roughly 2.6 million tonnes monthly.
To put that in perspective, India’s consumption of petrol alone crosses millions of litres every day, reflecting the scale at which energy security directly affects the daily lives of 140 crore citizens. Any disruption in global supply routes—particularly through the narrow Strait of Hormuz that carries a large portion of West Asian crude—can trigger panic in markets and anxiety among consumers.
Yet, even as tensions rise in West Asia, the Modi government has demonstrated remarkable preparedness. India currently maintains crude oil reserves of about 100 million barrels, sufficient to meet roughly 40–45 days of national demand in the event of a supply disruption.
That strategic buffer is not accidental; it is the result of years of planning to ensure that global conflicts do not immediately translate into domestic crises.
More importantly, diplomacy has been deployed swiftly and effectively. Within hours of concerns emerging about cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held consultations with regional counterparts, including Iran, to ensure the safe passage of Indian oil shipments. Such quiet but decisive diplomatic engagement reflects a new confidence in India’s foreign policy.
This approach marks a significant shift from the old style of posturing diplomacy that often-projected India as hesitant and reactive. Under the Modi government, diplomacy has become proactive, strategic and result-oriented.
Parallel to diplomatic outreach, the government has also activated its domestic energy management mechanisms. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, a seasoned diplomat-turned-administrator, immediately convened meetings with oil marketing companies, refiners, and logistics stakeholders. His message to the nation was clear: there is no cause for panic.
India, he assured, has sufficient reserves and supply mechanisms to sustain consumption for several weeks even under difficult global conditions.
The government has also taken steps to prioritise domestic cooking fuel. India consumed more than 31 million tonnes of LPG in the last financial year, making it the world’s second-largest importer of cooking gas.
To prevent shortages during the current crisis, the government directed refiners to maximise LPG production and prioritise household consumption, even if it means diverting raw materials from other petrochemical uses.
Domestic LPG production has already been increased by nearly 25 per cent to maintain uninterrupted supply to households.
At the same time, the government has carefully managed distribution. While commercial LPG allocations have been rationalised temporarily, domestic consumers remain fully protected. Refineries and LPG-producing units across the country have been asked to step up output to ensure both household and essential sector demand is met.
Simultaneously, India is diversifying its energy sources. Imports from Russia—already a crucial partner in India’s energy security matrix—continue to flow steadily. African suppliers are also being explored more aggressively to broaden India’s supply basket and reduce dependence on any single region.
Such diversification is part of a larger strategy that combines diplomacy, economics, and strategic autonomy.
It is this ability to balance global relationships while safeguarding national interests that has elevated Narendra Modi’s stature internationally. Whether it is counter-terror diplomacy, climate negotiations or geopolitical crises, Modi today ranks among the world’s most sought-after leaders.
His message to citizens during recent public interactions reflects the confidence of a leader who understands both global geopolitics and domestic realities. He urged Indians not to fall prey to alarmist narratives about an energy crisis, assuring that the government is fully prepared to handle emerging challenges—just as it steered the country through the devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
That reassurance is not mere rhetoric; it is backed by tangible action across diplomacy, energy management, and supply chain resilience.
Indeed, the popular slogan “Modi hai to mumkin hai” has moved beyond political rhetoric. For millions of Indians, it reflects the belief that decisive leadership combined with strategic governance can navigate even the most complex global storms. That apart, can anyone dare dream that India can even evacuate their stranded nationals who might have gone there to pursue further studies or for work assignments to Iran and other Gulf countries, are also brought back safely. Of some a lakh people, so far the External Ministry has ensured close to 80 lakh expatriates brought back to their home country, safely, which is no mean achievement.
Those who claim that Indian diplomacy has failed may need to reconsider the evidence before them. In reality, the nation today speaks with a stronger voice, negotiates from a position of confidence, and protects its people through foresight and preparation.
If some still insist otherwise, perhaps the problem lies not with India’s diplomacy—but with those discredited and cynical voices unwilling to acknowledge its success. (The author is Telangana BJP’s Official Spokesperson.)
