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Energy Security and Strategic Self-Reliance

PYQs

6

Articles

1

Momentum

17

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Critical for India's economic stability, balance of payments, geopolitical leverage, and resilience against global supply shocks. Directly impacts inflation, industrial output, and welfare.

Energy security refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price, crucial for a nation's economic growth and strategic autonomy. Strategic self-reliance in energy aims to reduce vulnerability to external supply disruptions and price volatility through domestic resource development and technological innovation.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Vulnerability to Shocks

The Strait of Hormuz disruption (2026) highlighted India's dependence on imported energy resources and vulnerability to supply shocks.

Role of Indigenous Capability

Indigenous scientific capability and technological self-reliance (e.g., refinery flexibility) are decisive forms of insurance against energy market volatility.

Diversification Strategy

Diversification of crude suppliers and building downstream technical flexibility in refineries enhanced national resilience during crises.

Long-term Solution

Reducing underlying import dependence through domestic molecule production (e.g., Dimethyl Ether from coal) is a key long-term solution for energy security.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Economy

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural GasPolicy formulation, crisis management, scheme implementation
CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)Research & development of indigenous technologies
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Diversification of energy sources and suppliers.
  • Investment in indigenous R&D and technological capabilities.
  • Development of alternative domestic energy molecules (e.g., DME).
  • Fiscal measures and demand management during crises.
  • Strategic petroleum reserves and infrastructure development.

High-confidence PYQs

2025Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member. II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 cri...

EconomyOpen question

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): I. It provides loans and guarantees to mid...

EconomyOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements: I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member. II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 cri...

EconomyOpen question

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): I. It provides loans and guarantees to mid...

EconomyOpen question
2019Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following statements: 1. CoaI sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi. 2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on a lot...

EconomyOpen question

Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?

EconomyOpen question
2019Conceptual understanding, Policy measures

Consider the following statements: 1. CoaI sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi. 2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on a lot...

EconomyOpen question

Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?

EconomyOpen question
2017Definition-based questions, Policy measures

The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to -

EconomyOpen question

The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to -

EconomyOpen question
2017Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding

The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to -

EconomyOpen question

The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to -

EconomyOpen question

Topic timeline

Indian Economy
Prelims 2017· Definition-based questions, Policy measures

The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to -

Open question

The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to -

Open question
Prelims 2017· Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding

The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to -

Open question

The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to -

Open question
Prelims 2019· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following statements: 1. CoaI sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi. 2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on a lot...

Open question

Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?

Open question
Prelims 2019· Conceptual understanding, Policy measures

Consider the following statements: 1. CoaI sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi. 2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on a lot...

Open question

Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?

Open question
Prelims 2025· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member. II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 cri...

Open question

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): I. It provides loans and guarantees to mid...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements: I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member. II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 cri...

Open question

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): I. It provides loans and guarantees to mid...

Open question

The case for building India’s coal chemistry capability

02 Jul 2026 · India's energy security relies on reducing import dependence and building indigenous technological capabilities to withstand global supply shocks, as demonstrated by refinery flexibility during the Hormuz crisis and the push for coal gasification.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Energy Security and Strategic Self-Reliance

Often confused with

Coal Gasification and Coal Chemistry

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 6 linked questions on Energy Security and Strategic Self-Reliance in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer
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