India's Strategic Shift: Coal Gasification Amid Global Supply Chain Disruptions

Amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, India is accelerating its coal gasification efforts to reduce import dependence and enhance energy security. This strategic move aims to shield the economy from global supply chain disruptions and foster industrial self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

As geopolitical tensions in West Asia reshape global energy and commodity supply chains, India is doubling down on coal gasification to fortify its economic resilience. Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt highlighted this strategic focus during a roadshow aimed at promoting Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification.

Dutt emphasized that the disruption has exposed India's vulnerabilities due to heavy import dependence, with the previous year's import bill for substitutable products like natural gas and ammonia reaching Rs 2.77 lakh crore. The conflict-triggered price surges have further stressed the need for robust domestic energy capabilities.

By transforming domestic coal into critical products such as ammonia and methanol, coal gasification offers a path to reduce reliance on imports. India's initiative is part of a broader vision for industrial self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat, with government schemes poised to support innovative projects in this sector.