Energy Independence Is Economic Freedom

India should make energy independence a national economic priority. The country imports almost nine-tenths of its crude oil and much of its cooking gas, consuming vast amounts of foreign currency and leaving citizens exposed to global price shocks, conflicts, and supply disruptions.

India must replace more imported fuel with energy produced at home. Solar subsidies, including the rooftop support currently scheduled to end in March 2027, should continue until solar generates at least one-third of the country's electricity. Progress should be measured by electricity generated, not merely by the number of panels installed.

That electricity must replace fuel in everyday life. Households should be encouraged to move from LPG to induction and other forms of electric cooking wherever practical. GST on electric cooking appliances should be eliminated to make the transition more affordable.

Transport must follow the same path. India should build an electric mobility ecosystem covering vehicles, charging, and batteries that makes it practical for citizens and businesses to leave petrol and diesel behind. This would reduce oil imports while providing another major benefit: cleaner air in Indian cities.

Ethanol blending and similar measures can reduce imported transport fuel during the transition, but India's strategy cannot stop at mixing alternatives into petrol and diesel. It must replace fossil fuels wherever practical.

Energy imports are not the only reason India maintains foreign exchange and capital controls. However, reducing fossil fuel imports would strengthen India's external finances and give it more room to liberalise those controls safely. Clean energy is not only climate policy; it is part of India's economic freedom.