The concept of energy security is a multi-dimensional concept, not an act or a scheme, that concerns a nation's ability to maintain a reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy system to meet the needs of its citizens and economy. Its origin is closely tied to the geopolitical vulnerabilities exposed by the 1973 oil crisis, where the Arab oil embargo against Western nations caused significant economic difficulty and supply disruptions. This crisis led to the formation of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 1974 to coordinate collective responses to major oil supply disruptions through the release of emergency oil stocks.
The mechanism of energy security is often defined by the "4 As": Availability (sufficient supply), Affordability (reasonable prices), Accessibility (physical access for all), and Acceptability (environmental sustainability). For India, which is the world's third-largest energy consumer and is highly dependent on imports, energy security is a critical strategic imperative. India's import dependence is nearly 90% for crude oil and about 47% for natural gas, with a large portion transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, making it vulnerable to geopolitical shocks.
The concept has changed recently, shifting from a narrow focus on oil supply to a broader emphasis on clean energy transition and climate change mitigation. India's strategy now connects to the Panchamrit commitments, aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity and 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. Key mechanisms include the expansion of Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), which currently provide only 9–10 days of crude cover, far below the 90-day global benchmark. Furthermore, India is accelerating its Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, achieving the 20% blending target in petrol by late 2025, five years ahead of the original 2030 schedule, to build biofuel autonomy. This modern approach links energy security directly to environmental sustainability and economic resilience.