India's Energy Security Unaffected by Strait of Hormuz Crisis

New Delhi: The war raging in the Middle East between Iran, Israel and the United States has locked down the world's most important sea route, the Strait of Hormuz. Hundreds of tankers are anchored in the Strait, cutting off a fifth of global oil supplies. However, this is relief for India in the midst of an international crisis. According to government sources, India's energy security is currently at an ironclad state. The country already has enough stocks of crude oil and gas, which are being refilled rapidly every day, so that the war does not affect the general public. India was dependent on Qatar for its gas needs, but in view of the changing situation, India has now signed new strategic agreements with the United States and the UAE. India imports a total of 195 million metric standard cubic meters of gas, of which Qatar's share is now only 60 mmscmd. Australia and Canada have also offered large gas supplies to India, but India has not been able to secure alternative shipping routes.