McMaster Calls for Stronger U.S.-India Energy Ties Amid Global Uncertainty

WASHINGTON — Former U.S. National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster is urging deeper energy cooperation between the United States and India, saying rising global tensions have underscored the need for long-term energy security.

McMaster, who served under President Donald Trump, said recent disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran echo the energy shocks seen during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“This is very similar to the energy crisis associated with Russia’s massive invasion of Ukraine,” he said in an interview.

He warned that reliance on external energy sources leaves India exposed to geopolitical instability.

“It highlights the need for energy security,” McMaster said.

He described the U.S.-India relationship as critical to addressing these vulnerabilities and said energy cooperation should become a central pillar of bilateral ties.

“The U.S. partnership with India is immensely important on so many levels,” he said. “One of the most important dimensions… should be a partnership… to develop technologies… that will allow for a much higher degree of energy security.”

McMaster also linked energy challenges to broader domestic concerns in India, including water and food security, calling them interconnected issues.

He pointed to expanding access to U.S. liquefied natural gas exports as a practical step to help India diversify its energy sources. He noted that the United States is now the world’s largest producer of fossil fuels.

At the same time, McMaster cautioned against overreliance on supply chains tied to China, particularly in renewable energy sectors such as solar panels and wind turbines.

“Renewable solutions that are not reliant on supply chains controlled by China,” he said, should be prioritized.

Looking ahead, he highlighted advanced nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, as a promising long-term option.

“Nuclear technologies… such as small modular reactors… hold great promise,” McMaster said.

He said a diversified approach combining fossil fuels, renewables, and nuclear power would help India better withstand global shocks.

The remarks come as India navigates ongoing geopolitical tensions and volatile energy markets while seeking to balance economic growth with stability. (Source: IANS)