The U.S.–Iran War and India’s Energy Security: Strategic Risks Emerging from the Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Abstract

The U.S. - Iran war that began on 28 February 2026 has exposed significant vulnerabilities in international energy markets, particularly those associated with the Strait of Hormuz. As a major maritime passage for petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG), the strait connects Gulf energy producers with importing economies across Asia and beyond. Disruptions to commercial navigation, attacks on energy infrastructure and rising transportation costs have created substantial difficulties for energy-dependent countries, including India. This article examines the implications of the Hormuz crisis for India's energy security, economic stability and foreign relations. Employing historical, descriptive, comparative and analytical methods, the study draws on publications of the Indian government, the International Energy Agency, the International Monetary Fund and other credible sources. It investigates the strategic importance of Hormuz, India's dependence on Gulf energy, commodity-specific supply disruptions, macroeconomic consequences, emergency preparedness, maritime security and energy diversification. The analysis identifies a fundamental distinction between physical supply security and price security. Although India has expanded its procurement from alternative suppliers, the economic consequences of rising international energy prices remain substantial. Furthermore, disruptions to LNG and LPG supplies reveal vulnerabilities that cannot be addressed through crude oil diversification alone. The crisis also demonstrates the growing relationship between energy security and India's diplomatic engagement in West Asia. The study concludes that strengthening India's energy resilience requires coordinated attention to diversified procurement, strategic reserves, maritime security, domestic energy production and the gradual development of alternatives to imported fossil fuels.