The evolving dynamics of global energy security underscore the criticality of strategic cooperation between India and the European Union (EU). India, the largest democracy, and the EU, the largest cluster of democracies, are two major global actors who converge on their inherent values in the international world order, grappling with significant energy dependencies that impact their economic stability, policymaking autonomy, and strategic resilience. India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and its aspirations for renewable energy integration are juxtaposed with the EU’s quest to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies, with both in pursuit of diversifying their energy portfolio. The Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing Gaza conflict have further exacerbated energy security concerns, challenging both India and the EU to recalibrate their energy strategies. The security implications of energy dependencies in the India-EU relationship can be contextualised in the form of economic instability, supply chain disruptions, and strategic limitations, necessitating robust governance frameworks to mitigate risks.

The first section of the brief examines the energy dependencies of India and the EU along with their security implications. It also explores the synergies in India-EU energy cooperation, particularly in renewable energy, green technology, and climate action, while evaluating their potential to influence global energy security governance. The second section of the brief analyses the impact of significant geopolitical shifts across the globe on the energy security of the India and the EU while also assessing the challenges in aligning the goals of the two. The concluding third section of the brief delves into policy recommendations for mitigating energy dependency risks and security challenges in the India-EU partnership, offering opportunities to enhance their energy governance and bolster security.