(a) whether the strengthening of ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran will bolster India’s energy security, which is inseparable from maritime peace and stability in the entire region; and
(b) if so, the initiatives taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(DR. RAJKUMAR RANJAN SINGH)
(a) Yes.
(b) India has entered into Comprehensive Strategic Partnership both with Saudi Arabia and UAE. Saudi Arabia and UAE are important suppliers of hydrocarbons to India. In 2019, India and Saudi Arabia signed 12 MoUs including the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) Agreement. Under the Strategic Partnership Council, there is a JWG on Energy, under which all aspects of bilateral energy cooperation are discussed. India has elevated its hydrocarbon relationship with UAE from that of a buyer-seller to the level of strategic partnership. Indian companies have invested in producing upstream assets in UAE. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has participated in the strategic reserve program of India.
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