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India urged to cut West Asia energy dependence

India should rethink its heavy dependence on West Asia for energy after a major global supply shock, ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh has said.

He noted that India relies on the region for a large share of its oil, gas and LPG needs, making it vulnerable to disruptions. Recent geopolitical tensions and shipping route issues exposed these risks, forcing supply adjustments.

Singh called for boosting domestic exploration and production, expanding strategic reserves, and diversifying import sources. He emphasized that energy security must become a priority as global uncertainties rise, urging a long-term shift toward a more resilient and self-reliant energy system.

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India delays refinery shutdowns to boost supply

Indian oil refiners have postponed scheduled maintenance shutdowns at several plants to ensure steady fuel supply, as demand remains high across the country. The decision is aimed at preventing any disruption in the availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.

State-run companies such as Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation are among those that have delayed routine maintenance at some of their refineries. These shutdowns are usually planned in advance to maintain operational efficiency, but have now been deferred to keep production levels stable.

Officials said the move comes at a time when domestic fuel consumption is strong and global energy markets remain uncertain. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, have raised concerns over possible disruptions in fuel supplies, increasing the need to prioritise local production.

However, not all refiners are postponing maintenance. Nayara Energy is expected to go ahead with a planned shutdown of its Vadinar refinery in April. This facility plays a key role in fuel production, and its temporary closure could have some impact, especially on LPG supply.

The government is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to take additional steps if required, including increasing imports, to ensure that fuel supplies remain sufficient. Officials have also reassured that there is currently no shortage of petrol or diesel in the country.

India depends heavily on crude oil imports, making it sensitive to global supply disruptions. In such conditions, maintaining refinery output becomes critical to meeting domestic needs.

By delaying maintenance work, refiners are trying to avoid supply gaps and keep the market stable.

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Oil India increases Thar production by 70%

India is increasing its domestic oil production as global supply concerns grow, with a sharp rise in output from Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.

State-run Oil India Ltd has boosted crude production from its fields in the region, recording around 1,200 barrels per day. This is a significant jump of nearly 70% compared to last year, showing steady progress in tapping local oil reserves.

The move comes at a time when global oil markets are under pressure due to tensions in the Middle East. Disruptions around key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz have raised fears of supply shortages and higher prices. In response, India is looking to rely more on its own resources to meet energy needs.

The increase in production has been made possible by the use of better technology. Oil India is using advanced methods to extract heavy crude oil, which is usually harder to produce. These techniques have helped improve output from older and challenging fields in the desert region.

The oil extracted from the Thar Desert is transported to Gujarat, where it is processed at refineries. While the total production is still small compared to India’s overall oil demand, the increase is seen as an important step.

India depends heavily on imported crude oil, especially from the Middle East. Because of this, any global disruption can directly affect the country’s energy supply and costs. Boosting local production helps reduce some of this risk, even if only partially.

Experts say this effort is part of a larger plan to strengthen India’s energy security. By increasing domestic output, the country can better handle global uncertainties.

Even though the current production levels are not enough to replace imports, the growth shows that India is making progress in using its own resources more effectively.

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India adds new nuclear submarine INS Aridhaman

India has added a new nuclear-powered submarine, INS Aridhaman, to its navy, boosting its defence strength. The submarine was officially commissioned in Visakhapatnam on Friday in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

INS Aridhaman is India’s third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, after INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. It has been built in India under a secret defence programme, showing the country’s growing ability to develop advanced military technology on its own.

The submarine is bigger, quieter, and more advanced than the earlier ones. Because it runs on nuclear power, it can stay underwater for long periods without coming up, making it difficult for enemies to detect.

INS Aridhaman can carry nuclear-capable missiles like K-15 and K-4, which can strike targets from long distances. This adds to India’s nuclear triad — the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.

This submarine plays an important role in India’s second-strike capability. This means that even if the country is attacked first, it can still respond with a strong counterattack. Submarines like INS Aridhaman are hard to find underwater, making them a reliable part of this defence system.

The project also highlights India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Much of the submarine was built in the country, especially at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.

This strengthens India’s position in the Indian Ocean region, where strategic competition is increasing. With three such submarines, India is moving closer to maintaining continuous patrols at sea for better security.

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Russia offers more oil, gas to India

India and Russia have held high-level talks to strengthen their partnership, with a key focus on increasing the supply of oil and natural gas. The discussions took place in New Delhi between Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other senior officials.

During the meeting, Russia предложed to expand its supply of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India. The move is aimed at supporting India’s growing energy demand at a time when global markets are facing uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia.

India relies heavily on imports to meet its energy needs, making stable supply arrangements crucial. In recent years, Russia has emerged as one of India’s top suppliers of oil, and both countries are now looking to deepen this relationship further.

The talks were not limited to energy alone. Both sides discussed ways to improve cooperation in trade, fertilisers, and technology. Russia has been increasing its fertiliser exports to India and has expressed its willingness to continue meeting the country’s requirements.

Progress on ongoing nuclear energy projects, including the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, was also reviewed. In addition, both nations explored opportunities for collaboration in areas such as innovation, critical minerals, and industrial development.

The discussions also covered broader economic ties and ways to expand bilateral trade. Leaders подчеркнули the importance of maintaining strong cooperation in a rapidly changing global environment.

Russia’s offer to supply more oil and gas is expected to help India secure its energy needs and manage price fluctuations. At the same time, it allows Russia to strengthen trade ties with one of its key partners.

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India approves ₹2.38 lakh cr defence boost

India has approved a massive defence upgrade worth about ₹2.38 lakh crore, in one of the biggest military modernisation moves in recent years. The decision was taken by the Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with a focus on strengthening the country’s preparedness across air, land and strategic operations.

A key highlight of the package is the approval to acquire five more S-400 missile systems from Russia. These long-range air defence systems are considered among the most advanced in the world, capable of detecting and destroying enemy aircraft, drones and missile threats from long distances. The addition is expected to significantly boost India’s air defence shield.

The plan also includes the purchase of strike drones, or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), which can carry out precision attacks without putting pilots at risk. These drones are becoming increasingly important in modern warfare, offering flexibility and quick response during operations.

Another major component is the procurement of medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. These aircraft will gradually replace older fleets and improve the military’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies quickly across the country, especially during emergencies or conflict situations.

Alongside foreign purchases, the government has also emphasised indigenous manufacturing. Approvals include artillery systems like the Dhanush gun and upgrades to existing platforms, supporting India’s push for self-reliance in defence production.

Also Read: Centre to borrow ₹8.2 lakh cr in 1st half of FY27

 

 

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Centre to borrow ₹8.2 lakh cr in 1st half of FY27

The Government of India will borrow ₹8.2 lakh crore from the market during the first half of the 2026‑27 fiscal year (April–September) to meet its fiscal needs. This accounts for roughly half of the total annual borrowing target of ₹16 lakh crore announced in the Budget.

The funds will be raised through government bonds of varying maturities, issued via 26 weekly auctions conducted with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Spreading borrowings across weekly auctions is intended to maintain stability in the debt market and reduce pressure on interest rates.

About 25 percent of the borrowing will come from long-term bonds, with maturities ranging up to 30–50 years. This approach is designed to secure long-term funding at stable rates and manage debt repayment schedules effectively.

In addition to traditional bonds, the government plans to raise ₹15,000 crore through Sovereign Green Bonds. These bonds will finance environmentally sustainable projects and support India’s climate action and green infrastructure initiatives.

The borrowing plan is part of the government’s broader fiscal framework for FY27, aimed at balancing the fiscal deficit while funding essential public services, infrastructure, and other budget priorities. Borrowings are necessary even after accounting for revenues, small savings contributions, and other financing sources.

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India sets 47% cut, 60% clean power by 2035

India has announced a more ambitious set of climate targets for 2035, reinforcing its commitment to tackle climate change while sustaining economic growth. The updated goals, approved by the Union Cabinet, form part of India’s revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement framework.

A key highlight of the new plan is the target to reduce emissions intensity by 47% from 2005 levels by 2035. Emissions intensity measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced per unit of GDP, and lowering it reflects a shift toward cleaner and more efficient economic activity.

India has also raised its clean energy ambition significantly. The country now aims to achieve 60% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035. This is an increase from the earlier 50% target set for 2030, which India has already met ahead of time. The move signals rapid progress in renewable energy sectors such as solar and wind power.

Another important component of the updated targets is the expansion of carbon sinks. India plans to increase its forest and tree cover to absorb between 3.5 and 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035. This highlights the role of forests and ecosystems in offsetting emissions and supporting climate resilience.

The government stated that these revised targets are designed to balance environmental responsibility with development needs. India, as a developing country, continues to emphasize the importance of equitable climate action, noting that developed nations must take the lead in reducing global emissions.

India has already made notable progress in recent years, achieving a significant reduction in emissions intensity and expanding its renewable energy capacity. However, challenges remain, including rising energy demand and dependence on coal.

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Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz open for India

Iran has announced that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz will remain open for India and four other countries, even as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global oil supplies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that India, along with China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan, has been classified as a “friendly nation.” Ships from these countries will be allowed to pass through the Strait without restrictions. However, Iran has limited access for nations it considers hostile, including the United States and its allies.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil routes, carrying nearly 20% of global crude oil shipments. Any disruption in this narrow waterway can have a direct impact on global energy prices and supply chains.

India’s inclusion in the list is seen as a positive development, as the country relies heavily on oil imports that pass through this route. Ensuring safe passage for Indian vessels will help maintain stable fuel supplies and reduce pressure on domestic markets.

Reports indicate that Indian ships are continuing operations without disruption. At least two LPG carriers have already passed through the Strait safely and are heading towards India, suggesting that the situation remains stable for now.

The move comes at a time when global oil markets are under stress due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Several countries and international bodies have called for keeping the Strait open to avoid further escalation in the energy crisis.

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PM Modi highlights India’s West Asia concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the Lok Sabha that the ongoing West Asia conflict poses serious challenges for India. He highlighted risks to energy security, trade routes, and the safety of millions of Indians in the region.

PM Modi emphasized measures such as 24×7 helplines, control rooms, and advisories to protect citizens abroad. The Strait of Hormuz was flagged as a critical route, with any disruption potentially affecting India’s fuel supplies.

Domestically, strategic reserves of LPG, crude, coal, and fertilizers are being monitored. Modi urged unity, resilience, and proactive diplomacy amid global uncertainty.