TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 190

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 190

1. India talks about “strategic autonomy”, but can it really maintain it when the U.S. pressures it over Russian oil?

Answer: Strategic autonomy does not mean that India will never face pressure. It means India should retain the ability to make decisions according to its own national interest. The supplied summary shows that India-U.S. relations combine cooperation in defence, technology and trade with disagreements over Russian energy purchases. Recent reporting also confirms that trade negotiations continue despite tensions over Russian oil. India should diversify energy suppliers, strengthen domestic renewables and maintain dialogue with all major powers. Strategic autonomy becomes credible when India has enough economic, technological and energy alternatives to withstand external pressure.

2. Why is the Strait of Hormuz crisis more than a West Asian problem for India?

Answer: The Strait of Hormuz is a major energy chokepoint, so disruption there can quickly become an Indian economic problem. The supplied summary explains that prolonged disruption can raise crude prices, shipping insurance and freight costs. Iran has now received a U.S. response to its proposal, but negotiations remain uncertain. For India, higher oil prices can affect inflation, the current account and household costs, while instability also affects Indians living in Gulf countries. Therefore, India's energy security requires diplomacy, diversified suppliers, strategic petroleum reserves and faster development of domestic clean energy.