India is rethinking its energy strategy after a prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz caused a sharp rise in energy costs.

This shift is critical because India relies heavily on imports of oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The disruption exposed the vulnerability of the nation's energy security to narrow waterway closures.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, carries a large share of global oil shipments destined for India [1, 4]. Reports indicate the strait was closed for 100 days [4], disrupting the flow of essential fuels and forcing New Delhi to seek alternatives to avoid economic instability.

To mitigate these risks, India has turned toward diversifying its crude imports. The government is increasingly sourcing oil from Russia, Brazil, and Venezuela [3]. This strategy aims to reduce the dependency on the Persian Gulf region and create a more resilient supply chain.

In addition to diversifying sources, India is expanding its strategic petroleum reserves [2]. Increasing these stockpiles allows the country to maintain a buffer against sudden geopolitical shocks that could otherwise freeze energy imports.

External interventions also played a role during the crisis. President Donald Trump said a secret mission moved 100 million barrels of oil through the blocked strait [4]. Despite such efforts, the extended period of restricted access highlighted the precarious nature of India's current energy infrastructure.

“The disruption exposed the vulnerability of the nation's energy security to narrow waterway closures.”

The Hormuz crisis serves as a catalyst for India to transition from a reactive to a proactive energy policy. By diversifying its supplier base and increasing physical reserves, India is attempting to decouple its economic stability from the volatility of a single geographic chokepoint, signaling a broader geopolitical shift in its trade partnerships.