On 8 April 2024, the Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs published NESA Center alum Raghvendra Kumar's research article, "Locating Mozambique in India’s strategy for a gas-based economy: leveraging natural gas in transition to a greener future and energy security."

ABSTRACT:

Natural gas is increasingly recognised as a vital ‘bridge fuel' due to its economic viability, versatility as a feedstock, and lower pollution compared to other fuels. India, aiming for net-zero emissions, acknowledges natural gas’s role in transitioning to a greener energy mix, serving as a transitional fuel until renewables gain prominence. However, India’s current natural gas consumption lags behind the global average, requiring a robust gas-based economy strategy prioritising domestic exploration, alternative sources, import diversification, and fostering a domestic industry ecosystem. Despite ambitious plans, progress has been slow, prompting the need for timely policy interventions. India’s heavy reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from conflict-prone regions underscores the urgency of diversification to ensure ‘security of energy flow’. Given India’s soaring energy demand, natural gas assumes paramount importance. Therefore, strategic integration of gas-rich regions like Mozambique into India’s strategy for a gas-based economy is imperative for achieving energy security through the ‘4 A’s’ (availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability). However, despite these opportunities, the evolving security situation in the north of Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique has significantly affected India’s interests. The deteriorating security, amidst rising terrorism, poses implications for Indian investments, necessitating a holistic response.

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About the Author

Dr. Raghvendra Kumar holds a PhD in African Studies from the University of Delhi, specializing in Indian Ocean geopolitics and India’s and China’s involvement in East African Island States. Previously, he served as an Associate Fellow at the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) in New Delhi. Before his tenure at NMF, he taught undergraduate students at the Department of Political Science, Maharaja Agrasen College, University of Delhi, India.

About the Publisher

The Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs publishes research dealing critically with some aspect of maritime affairs and addresses maritime issues with an interest in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

The views presented in this article are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.