“India Engages in Discussions with IEA for Complete Membership”
India has embarked on discussions with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to secure full membership, signaling its commitment to enhancing global cooperation in tackling energy and climate-related issues. Ministers from IEA’s member nations have commenced talks with India following its formal application for full membership, underscoring the country’s strategic importance in addressing pressing energy and environmental challenges.
India has embarked on discussions with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to secure full membership, signaling its commitment to enhancing global cooperation in tackling energy and climate-related issues. Ministers from IEA’s member nations have commenced talks with India following its formal application for full membership, underscoring the country’s strategic importance in addressing pressing energy and environmental challenges.
The decision to engage in discussions with India was announced by the IEA after its 2024 ministerial meeting in Paris, highlighting the significant role India plays in shaping global energy dynamics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the meeting via video conferencing, emphasized India’s rapid economic growth and underscored the importance of energy security and sustainability in sustaining this momentum.
India’s journey towards full membership in the IEA began in 2017 when it joined as an associate member. The formal request for full membership, submitted in October 2023, reflects India’s growing engagement and commitment to global energy governance. With India emerging as the world’s third-largest energy consumer, its participation in the IEA is expected to enrich the agency’s efforts in promoting energy security, stability, and sustainability on a global scale.
The IEA, comprising 31 member countries and eight associate countries, is poised to strengthen its collaboration with major emerging economies like India to address complex energy challenges. Through strategic partnerships and cooperative initiatives, the IEA aims to leverage India’s expertise and resources to advance its mandate of ensuring a resilient and sustainable global energy system.
India’s accession to full membership in the IEA is subject to certain criteria, including membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and compliance with strategic oil reserve requirements. India, with its strategic oil reserves equivalent to 9.5 days of its requirement, is positioned to fulfill these criteria, bolstering its candidacy for full membership.
Furthermore, India’s collaboration with the IEA extends beyond formal membership discussions. In 2021, India entered into a strategic partnership agreement with the IEA, signaling a deeper commitment to fostering cooperation in energy security and stability.
As India progresses in its dialogue with the IEA, the prospect of full membership holds significant implications for global energy governance and collaboration. With India’s growing influence and expertise in the energy sector, its participation in the IEA is poised to shape collective efforts towards achieving a more sustainable and resilient energy future for all.
Sources By Agencies
About The Author
