New Delhi (Economy India): Senior policymakers at India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 underlined the urgent need for energy security, sustained investments and stronger international cooperation as global energy systems face rising geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility.
Speaking at a high-level ministerial panel discussion on the opening day of IEW 2026, leaders deliberated on the theme “Navigating Uncertainty: Ensuring Affordable, Accessible and Sustainable Energy in a Turbulent World.” The discussion focused on pragmatic policy responses, investment continuity and resilient partnerships to address global energy instability.
The panel featured Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson, and International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Al Shirawi.
Geopolitical tensions heighten energy risks
The speakers acknowledged that escalating geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and shifting trade dynamics are increasing uncertainty across global energy markets. They stressed that rising demand from emerging economies, coupled with the accelerating pace of energy transition, has made energy security, affordability and sustainability more critical than ever.
The panel agreed that there is no one-size-fits-all energy transition pathway, and national strategies must reflect local economic realities, development needs and resource availability.
India’s approach: diversification and resilience
Highlighting India’s perspective, Hardeep Singh Puri said energy availability is the lifeline of a growing economy and a key pillar of national resilience.
He noted that India has successfully navigated recent global disruptions by diversifying energy sources, expanding the geographical spread of suppliers, and implementing reforms across the energy value chain—ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies despite global volatility.
On India’s ambition to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix, Puri emphasised the importance of global collaboration, long-term investments and realistic transition pathways.
He reiterated that rising energy demand must be met by adding new energy sources rather than abrupt substitution, warning that sudden disruptions could destabilise markets. Stable and predictable energy markets, he said, serve the shared interests of both producers and consumers.
Canada seeks deeper energy partnership with India
Canada’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson highlighted that a more fragmented global trade environment has reinforced the importance of reliable partnerships and diversified supply chains.
Positioning Canada as a major producer of oil, gas and critical minerals, Hodgson expressed strong interest in deepening cooperation with India—particularly in LNG, critical minerals, oil supplies and long-term energy trade.
Puri also underscored that middle powers must work together to uphold free trade, reliability and non-coercive energy relationships.
Global outlook: oil and gas remain vital
Providing a global perspective, IEF Secretary General Jassim Al Shirawi pointed to rising global energy demand driven by population growth, urbanisation, industrialisation, digitalisation and improving living standards.
He said that despite rapid electrification and renewable energy expansion, oil and gas will continue to play a critical role, particularly as feedstock for petrochemicals and industrial growth.
Al Shirawi cautioned that underinvestment, grid constraints, supply chain concentration and fragmentation could pose serious risks to energy security. He called for continuous dialogue between producers and consumers to manage the energy transition in a balanced and orderly manner.
Call for realism and collaboration
The panel concluded that navigating global uncertainty will require realism, adaptability and cooperation. Sustained investments across oil and gas, power grids, LNG, critical minerals and emerging technologies were identified as essential to ensuring an inclusive, affordable and resilient energy transition.
About India Energy Week
India Energy Week (IEW) is the country’s premier global energy platform, bringing together government leaders, industry executives and innovators to accelerate progress toward a secure, sustainable and affordable energy future. As a neutral international forum, IEW promotes investment, policy coordination and technological collaboration, shaping the global energy landscape.
(Economy India)
