International Relations GS 2 In the news 6 times

India's Energy Security and Crude Oil Import Dependence

India is the world's third-largest crude oil consumer and importer, with import dependence exceeding 85% of total crude requirements. India's energy security policy is guided by the principle of diversification of sources and market-driven procurement, maintaining that energy purchases are sovereign commercial decisions.

Key details

India imports over 85% of its crude oil requirements (~4.5-5.0 million barrels per day)
Major traditional suppliers: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Nigeria
Russia's share surged from ~2.5% in 2021 (pre-Ukraine conflict) to a peak of ~44% in mid-2025, before declining to ~21% in January 2026
India's stated policy: buy oil from wherever it is cheapest and most reliable, consistent with national interest
The International Energy Agency (IEA) Strategic Petroleum Reserve concept: India maintains strategic reserves at Visakhapatnam, Mangalore, and Padur (total capacity ~5.33 million tonnes under Phase I)
India Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL), a subsidiary of OIDB (Oil Industry Development Board), manages these reserves

In the news

● Tracked since February 19, 2026 · last seen July 22, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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