UPSC Mains 2017 GS2 Q19 — Energy Security
The question of India's Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India's economic progress. Analyze India's energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Analyze
- Scope keywords
- India's Energy Securityeconomic progressenergy policy cooperationWest Asian countries
- Implicit sub-parts
- The causal link between energy security and India's GDP growth/economic stability.
- Shift from a buyer-seller relationship to strategic energy partnerships (investment in upstream/downstream sectors).
- The role of diversification (Renewables, Green Hydrogen) in the recent India-West Asia energy discourse.
- Geopolitical challenges and stability risks affecting energy corridors (e.g., Red Sea, Hormuz).
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on India-West Asia relations without focusing on the 'energy policy' specificities.
- Focusing only on crude oil imports and ignoring strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) and natural gas.
- Neglecting the recent shift toward 'Green Energy' cooperation with countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Failing to link energy security to specific economic outcomes like inflation control or industrial manufacturing (Make in India).
- Dimensions required
- GeopoliticalEconomic/FiscalStrategic/SecurityTechnological (Renewables)Environmental (Decarbonization)
- Marks allocation hint
Devote approximately 50 words to the link between energy and economic progress. The bulk of the answer (150 words) should analyze specific policy pillars—joint ventures, SPRs, and the transition to renewables. Use the final 50 words for challenges and a forward-looking conclusion on the 'Look West' strategy.
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