India's Energy Security and Gulf Dependence

India is the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer. Approximately 85% of India's crude oil requirements are met through imports, with Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait) traditionally accounting for nearly 60–65% of India's crude imports. India also receives significant LNG from Qatar (Rasgas contracts). A Hormuz closure would force India to pay war-risk insurance premiums, seek alternate suppliers (Russia, US), and draw down its 5.33 million metric tonne strategic petroleum reserve maintained at Vizag, Mangaluru, and Padur.