The Hindu Editorial Analysis
4 June 2025
A strategy fuelled by vision, powered by energy
(Source – The Hindu, National Edition – Page No. – 08)
Topic: GS 3: Infrastructure – Energy | Economic Development | Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) | Environment & Sustainable Development
Context
India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in 2025 with a GDP of $4.3 trillion, reflecting not just growth but strategic sectoral advances—most significantly in energy.
The editorial presents India’s decade-long, four-pronged energy strategy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which has fueled economic expansion and national security.
Introduction
In a world of fuel uncertainty, India has become a beacon of energy certainty.
From being a net energy importer to building resilience, diversification, and affordability, India’s energy roadmap is central to its growth story and sustainable development.
India’s Energy Strategy: Key Pillars
- Diversification of Sources
Exploration acreage has doubled (8% in 2021 → 16% in 2025).
Over 25 new oil/gas fields discovered, including Mumbai Offshore, Cambay, and Andamans.
Use of technologies like AI seismic imaging and airborne gravity mapping boosts deep-water and frontier exploration.
- Expansion of Domestic Production
Gas production up from 28.7 BCM (2020) to 36.4 BCM (2023-24).
ONGC’s output from Mumbai High: +44% oil, +89% gas.
India now among the top 3 LNG importers globally, and third-largest energy consumer.
- Push to Renewables and Green Energy
India awarded 8.62 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen and 3,000 MW of electrolyzer tenders.
Expansion of ethanol blending (10% in 2022 → 20% by 2025).
Compressed biogas (CBG) plants rising, with 126 already commissioned.
- Ensuring Affordability and Energy Justice
Over 67 million LPG users receive subsidies under PM Ujjwala Yojana.
Fuel price stabilization via transparent pricing, subsidy targeting, and strategic reserves.
Infrastructure & Institutional Reforms
Over 24,000 km of new product pipelines laid; 96,000 retail outlets now operational.
Policies like HELP, OALP, Gas Pricing Reform, and Energy Security Act created a liberalized investment climate.
India is emerging as a hydrogen and biofuel hub, with public-private collaborations accelerating clean energy adoption.
Green Energy: The Next Leap
Focus on Green Hydrogen Mission, with players like IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, Reliance, and NTPC taking the lead.
India is positioning itself as a global hub for clean energy production and export, aligning with net zero targets by 2070.
Consumer-Centric Growth
PMUY has ensured clean cooking energy for the rural poor.
CNG usage expanded 3x from 25 lakh (2014) to over 75 lakh users (2025).
Unified digital platforms now track energy access, pricing, and delivery metrics for transparency.
Conclusion
India’s energy sector is no longer just about consumption—it is about contribution.
By aligning availability, affordability, and sustainability, India’s energy roadmap showcases how a strategic vision can power a $5 trillion economy and ensure equity, resilience, and green growth.
The future of India’s economy will be lit by innovation, but powered by energy.