In the face of recent criticisms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, India’s remarkable emergence as Europe’s top refined fuel supplier highlights the effectiveness of the current government’s bold and pragmatic approach. Critics who claim Modi’s foreign policy lacks depth or direction now face compelling evidence to the contrary, as India leverages its position in the global energy market—a position that was unthinkable under past administrations. With data showing India has surpassed Saudi Arabia in supplying refined fuel to Europe, Modi’s approach to balancing national interests and global demands is paying off, helping India strengthen its geopolitical stance and economic resilience. India’s achievement is rooted in smart, calculated diplomacy and strategic economic maneuvers, designed to capitalize on shifting global dynamics. After Western sanctions were imposed on Russia in response to the Ukraine invasion, Europe faced a dire need to replace Russian oil. India stepped into this vacuum, increasing its supply of refined products such as diesel and jet fuel to Europe, aided by discounted Russian crude oil imports. Had India succumbed to U.S. pressure to sanction Russia, without securing alternative fuel sources, the country’s energy needs could have plunged into chaos—perhaps even disaster. According to Kpler, an analytics firm tracking global energy flows, India’s refined fuel exports to Europe are forecasted to exceed 360,000 barrels per day. This shift demonstrates India’s ability not only to support its allies in Europe but also to deepen its energy ties with Russia. Modi’s foreign policy has always prioritized India’s national interests, but the government has taken this approach further by navigating complex international pressures with finesse. India’s purchase of affordable Russian crude—often below the Western price cap of $60 per barrel—has allowed Indian refiners to remain competitive on the world stage. By refining and exporting Russian crude to Europe, India has emerged as a reliable energy partner, filling a critical need for the continent while keeping Russian barrels in circulation. This approach has allowed India to take advantage of the unique circumstances of the energy crisis without straining its relations with either Russia or the West.
Before the Russia-Ukraine war, Europe imported around 154,000 barrels per day from Indian refiners. However, since the sanctions, these imports surged to over 200,000 barrels per day, showcasing India’s ability to scale its output to meet Europe’s growing demand. European refineries, which can no longer access cheap Russian crude, now face fierce competition from Indian refiners who can sell at competitive rates, owing to their lower procurement costs. This surge not only supports Europe but also showcases India’s growing influence in the global energy landscape—an outcome that would have seemed far-fetched just a decade ago. Under Modi’s leadership, India’s foreign policy has embraced pragmatic partnerships and resourceful tactics. Unlike previous governments that often hesitated on the global stage, the Modi administration has worked proactively to cultivate relationships with Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, positioning India as a central player in global energy markets. This multifaceted diplomacy underscores the government’s approach to enhancing India’s strategic autonomy while securing its economic interests.
Modi’s decision to fortify India’s position in this competitive market, rather than simply maintaining traditional energy partnerships, reveals a forward-thinking strategy that aligns India’s economic ambitions with global energy needs. Additionally, India’s success as Europe’s top supplier of refined fuel strengthens its position within BRICS, showcasing its ability to step up as a major energy supplier. It reflects the Modi administration’s commitment to balancing longstanding alliances with new, mutually beneficial trade relationships. By seizing the opportunity created by Europe’s search for energy security, The country-centric policies of this government are worlds apart from past administrations’ cautious, often constrained approach, which kept India in the shadows of global power plays. By placing India’s interests first and capitalizing on global economic and political openings, Modi’s government has ensured India’s voice is heard and respected on the world stage. For those who question Modi’s foreign policy decisions, India’s role as Europe’s largest refined fuel supplier is a clear rebuttal. It underscores the bold, calculated strategies that have enabled India to claim a pivotal role in the global energy arena, while also deepening its economic and diplomatic partnerships. Rather than being a flaw, Modi’s foreign policy is an asset—one that has not only benefited India but has also positioned it as a key player in global energy security.
