India Sends Ministers to Gulf

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

India has dispatched top ministers to Gulf countries this week to secure energy supplies, as concerns mount over a gas crunch triggered by disruptions linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.

The country, which imports around 60 percent of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), relies heavily on Gulf suppliers such as Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to meet the cooking fuel needs of its 1.4 billion population.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, while Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri concluded talks in Qatar on Friday, focusing on strengthening energy cooperation and ensuring supply stability. “Our ministers are visiting Gulf countries to strengthen energy security,” said Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

The move comes amid concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. India imports nearly 85 percent of its crude oil, with around 30 percent passing through the strait, raising fears over supply continuity.

Following his meeting in Doha, Puri said Qatar had reaffirmed its commitment to remain a reliable energy partner for India, while both sides emphasized the need to restore stability in global energy flows. Officials also highlighted ongoing efforts to safeguard petroleum and LPG availability despite geopolitical tensions affecting shipping routes.