India Plugs Oil Supply Gap as Middle East Supplies Shrink; NSA Doval Meets UAE President
India is actively working to plug the oil supply gap created by the West Asia conflict which has severely reduced supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. India has been increasing oil imports from Russia, the USA, and West Africa to compensate. NSA Ajit Doval met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss the energy crisis, Hormuz corridor security, and bilateral ties — part of India's intensive diplomatic outreach in the Gulf region. Reliance Industries has also been managing a volatile oil-to-chemicals segment and pivoting its refinery strategy to maximize margins amid supply disruptions.
Key Facts & Details
7 points- 1India diversifying oil imports from Russia, USA, and West Africa amid Middle East supply crunch
- 2NSA Doval meets UAE President to discuss energy security and Strait of Hormuz
- 3West Asia conflict reduces combined LNG output of Qatar and UAE by ~10 BCM/month
Deep Dive
- +The Strait of Hormuz carries ~20% of global oil supply — its disruption is catastrophic
- +India sources ~65% of its oil from Middle East normally; now rapidly diversifying
- +Russia became India's top oil supplier in 2023 due to discounted prices amid Ukraine war sanctions
- +NSA Doval is India's National Security Advisor — a key figure in India's strategic diplomacy
Exam Focus
Likely MCQ: What percentage of global oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz? → Answer: ~20%
Related Topics
Exam Relevance & Angle
International Relations & Economy: Energy security, Strait of Hormuz, and India's Gulf diplomacy.
Target Exams
Background & Context
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Oman and Iran connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. It is the world's most critical oil chokepoint, through which approximately 20% of global oil and 25% of global LNG passes daily.
Iran-US conflict has created significant risks of Hormuz closure. Iran has historically threatened to close the strait in response to US military pressure — a move that would devastate global energy markets.
India's oil import diversification:
- Russia: Became India's largest oil supplier in 2023 (discounted Urals crude)
- Iraq: Traditionally India's top supplier before 2023
- USA: India is the largest buyer of US crude outside the Americas
- West Africa: Nigeria, Angola — alternative sources
NSA Ajit Doval is India's National Security Advisor (NSA), heading the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). He plays a central role in India's strategic and diplomatic decision-making, particularly on security-sensitive matters.
UAE-India relations are anchored by the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) signed in February 2022 — India's fastest-ever negotiated trade deal.
Related GK Concepts
Must KnowTest Yourself
1 / 3What percentage of global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz?
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