Time to strengthen US-India energy cooperation amid global tensions: McMaster
Washington, April 22
Former US National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster has underscored the urgency of strengthening US-India energy cooperation, saying that current global tensions highlight India's need for long-term energy security.
McMaster, who served as the national security advisor to President Donald Trump in his first term, said the energy crisis in the aftermath of the Iran war situation mirrors earlier disruptions during the Ukraine war.
"This is very similar to the energy crisis associated with Russia's massive invasion of Ukraine," he told IANS in an exclusive interview.
Cautioning that reliance on external energy sources leaves India vulnerable to geopolitical volatility, he said: "It highlights the need for energy security."
McMaster identified the US-India partnership as central to addressing these risks. "The US partnership with India is immensely important on so many levels," he said.
He stressed that energy cooperation must become a core pillar of bilateral ties. "One of the most important dimensions... should be a partnership... to develop technologies... that will allow for a much higher degree of energy security," he said.
The former NSA also linked energy challenges to broader domestic pressures in India. "Water security and food security... I see these as all interconnected," he said.
Outlining practical steps, McMaster pointed to expanding access to American energy supplies. "Access to US liquified natural gas exports," he said, could help India diversify its import basket.
He noted that the United States has emerged as a dominant energy producer. "The US... is now the world's largest producer of fossil fuels," he said.
At the same time, he warned against overdependence on supply chains linked to China. "Renewable solutions that are not reliant on supply chains controlled by China," he said, should be prioritised.
He cited sectors such as solar panels and wind turbines, where Chinese dominance in manufacturing creates strategic vulnerabilities.
Looking ahead, McMaster highlighted advanced nuclear technologies as part of a long-term solution. "Nuclear technologies... such as small modular reactors... hold great promise," he said.
He argued that a diversified energy strategy -- combining fossil fuels, renewables and nuclear -- would strengthen India's resilience against external shocks.
The remarks come as India continues to navigate global uncertainty, including tensions in West Asia and fluctuating energy markets, while seeking to balance growth with stability.
McMaster's comments underline a broader strategic view in Washington that energy cooperation can anchor the next phase of US-India relations, alongside defence and technology partnerships.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Absolutely agree. The point about reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains for renewables is crucial. We need to build our own manufacturing base for solar panels and batteries. Atmanirbhar Bharat should start with energy!
While cooperation with the US is good, we must be careful. We've seen how quickly "partners" can impose sanctions or change policies. Our primary focus should be on domestic sources like thorium-based nuclear and offshore wind. Let's not trade one dependency for another.
Interesting to see a former US official framing this so clearly. The interconnection between water, food, and energy security is so true for India. A holistic approach is needed, not just piecemeal deals for LNG.
Good analysis. Access to stable LNG supplies from the US can help bridge the gap while we ramp up green hydrogen and nuclear. But the cost is a big factor for our consumers. Hope any deal keeps the common man's electricity bill in mind.
McMaster is right about the vulnerability. Every time there's tension in the Middle East, our petrol prices shoot up. We need a strategic energy reserve and more ties with reliable partners. The US-India partnership makes sense if it's mutually beneficial and long-term.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.