Drill baby drill! Why Trump’s return does not augur well for India’s energy security

US president-designate, Donald Trump’s renewed focus on fossil fuels poses both challenges and opportunities for India’s energy security and climate change commitments. His pro-oil stance and potential rollback on climate finance could impact U.S.-India renewable energy collaborations, compelling India to seek alternative partnerships and bolster its domestic green policies. However, India’s commitment to green energy remains resilient, with initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and investments in solar, wind, and green hydrogen (GH). By fostering alliances with nations prioritising climate action and augmenting the domestic renewable infrastructure, India can counterbalance these challenges and strengthen its green transition.

As the global climate narrative increasingly emphasises a shift to cleaner, renewable energy sources, Donald Trump’s recent U.S. election victory has sparked renewed concerns among environmentalists and energy analysts. His ‘America First’ energy policy, focused on bolstering the fossil fuel sector, starkly contrasts with current international climate goals, which seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance a green transition.

Click to read the article published in the Polity on 17 November 2024.