India has moved swiftly to safeguard its energy security amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, with proactive measures ensuring stable supplies and secure shipping routes, according to former diplomat Veena Sikri.

Speaking in an interview, Sikri said the Indian government acted early to diversify its energy sources, reducing dependence on any single region as geopolitical tensions intensified. She emphasized that New Delhi has been consistently monitoring the evolving situation, given the unpredictability of the conflict.

“India has wasted no time at all. We have been looking at energy security from day one and have already diversified our sources of supply,” Sikri said, outlining a multi-pronged approach adopted by the government.

One of the key steps has been diplomatic engagement with Iran to ensure the safe passage of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil transit route. Sikri noted that, through discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, India has secured permission for several ships to pass through the strait, with expectations that more clearances will follow.

In parallel, India has significantly increased its procurement of Russian oil and is exploring additional energy imports, including natural gas. These efforts, she said, have helped cushion the country from disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict and volatility in global markets.

Despite these measures, Sikri cautioned that the situation remains highly fluid. She highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively reviewing developments, including convening meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Security to assess risks and adapt strategies in real time.

“When a war is taking place, anything can change at any time. It can suddenly get worse. That is why the government is constantly reviewing the situation and putting new aspects of the plan in place,” she said.

The conflict in West Asia has raised serious concerns about regional stability and global energy flows, particularly due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.

Sikri also pointed to the broader scale of the conflict, describing it as far from a limited engagement. She noted that extensive use of advanced weaponry and sustained military operations have already caused significant economic damage across the region, including disruptions to energy infrastructure.

As tensions continue to rise, India’s strategy appears focused on balancing diplomatic outreach with pragmatic energy planning, ensuring that domestic needs are met while navigating an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.