Energy Security Dynamics in India–Australia Relations

Energy security is integral for the collective progress of any society. Given India’s growth rate, expected urbanization and infrastructural development, and projected demographic expansion, India’s energy demand is expected to grow manifold. India’s energy needs are met by domestic production and imports. Both fossil fuels and renewables play a role in securing India’s energy demands, although the former contributes much more significantly in the current scheme of things. This article examines the role of cooperation on energy issues, mainly coal (coking and thermal), gas, uranium, and solar power in India–Australia ties. It is argued that given its abundance of fossil fuel reserves and its expertise in harnessing renewable energy, Australia will emerge as one of the most significant destinations of energy import and cooperation on issues relating to energy despite the prevalence of some issues such as environmental considerations and geographical distance and uncertainties including pace of reforms in India and unpredictability of prices. The article focuses on the demand–supply synergy in the energy sector between the two countries, so as to understand the scope for future collaboration.