India’s Energy Diplomacy during the UPA Rule, 2004–14

Abstract

As India grew economically, energy diplomacy became an important, even critical part of its diplomacy. The decade 2004–14 proved to be an especially challenging period for India’s energy diplomacy due to its development imperative and commitment to reducing energy poverty. This chapter studies India’s energy diplomacy during 2004–14 when the Congress party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments were in office. It specifically examines the UPA governments’ strategies to secure oil, gas and coal, nuclear fuel, and technologies from foreign countries to meet the burgeoning energy needs of India’s rapidly growing economy. The chapter starts by examining India’s burgeoning energy needs amidst rising global prices during the period. It provides an in-depth look at the diplomatic strategies for securing energy resources and technologies employed by India during the same period. The chapter concludes by summarizing its findings.