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First Post
19 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
India resets Libya priority: Security forces return to embassy, eyes on oil and strategic depth
With oil prices volatile and supply chains under strain, India eyes Libya as a critical addition to its long-term energy security strategy read more India's decision to deploy security forces at its embassy in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, appears as a calculated strategic move, far beyond a simple signal amid a still chaotic situation in the North African nation. The embassy was reopened in July 2024, five years after India closed its mission there in April 2019 amid growing security concerns, prompting a full evacuation of both civilian and security personnel. Now, with shifting geopolitical dynamics and looming energy uncertainties, India's return to Tripoli carries critical economic and diplomatic significance. On Sunday, CRPF director general GP Singh said that the paramilitary force will soon send its personnel to Libya to secure the embassy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Libya's decade of instability Libya has remained deeply unstable since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. Rival factions have continued to control separate territories in the east and west, hindering national unification efforts. In 2014, India repatriated approximately 3,800 of its nationals from Libya, including six who had been abducted by the Islamic State. Persistent insecurity over the years kept India and other nations at bay, but current developments suggest a potential turning point in Libya's political and economic environment. An opportune return amid oil import turbulence India's diplomatic reengagement with Libya comes at a time of mounting uncertainty in its oil supply chain. With potential secondary sanctions from the United States and the European Union threatening India's heavy reliance on Russian crude, securing alternative energy partners has become urgent. For a country that imports nearly 85 per cent of its energy needs, diversification is not just a policy option—it is an economic necessity. The timing of the embassy reopening is strategic, allowing India to explore new trade avenues in Libya's underutilised oil sector. Recently, India's Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also allayed fears of likely impact on India if Russian oil supply is choked through secondary tariffs at a recent Firstpost event. Why Libya's energy resources is a natural fit for India Libya is well-positioned to help fill India's supply gap. In 2023, Libya exported $31.3 billion worth of crude petroleum, making it the 14th largest exporter of crude globally. Crude oil remains its most valuable export. Italy, Germany, Spain, France and China are Libya's largest buyers, with exports to Germany and France experiencing notable year-on-year growth. Given India's status as the world's third-largest oil importer, both countries stand to benefit — Libya gains a massive buyer and India secures a fresh energy source amid global supply constraints. India in Libya's energy sector India's ties with Libya's energy sector are not new. According to a report in the Libya Tribune, ONGC Videsh and Oil India Limited have expressed renewed interest in operating in Libya, responding to Tripoli's calls to rebuild the nation's vital oil and gas infrastructure. These companies exited Libya in 2011 due to civil unrest, but prior to that, ONGC Videsh and Oil India, along with Indian Oil Corporation, had been involved in exploration projects in Libya's Ghadames and Sirte basins. This previous involvement may provide Indian firms with a head start as Libya opens its energy sector once again to foreign participation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reopening Libya's oil and gas sector Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) is preparing to launch its first oil and gas licensing round in 17 years. The move is seen as a strong signal of the country's intent to revitalise its hydrocarbons industry. Speaking in Tripoli earlier this year, Libya's Oil and Gas Minister Mohamed Oun emphasised that the country welcomes international companies, but expects them to focus on exploration rather than merely tapping into already discovered fields. He also noted that about 30 per cent of Libya's oil-rich territory remains unexplored, hinting at significant untapped potential. If successful, these reforms could help Libya regain its footing as a major energy exporter and offer India new energy opportunities. Economic partnership beyond oil India and Libya have shared long-standing diplomatic and economic relations. India established its diplomatic mission in Tripoli in 1969. In 1978, both countries signed a framework agreement titled the 'Protocol on Industrial, Economic and Scientific Cooperation,' which laid the groundwork for the Indo-Libyan Joint Commission. Ten sessions of the Joint Commission have been held since then, covering the full spectrum of bilateral economic activities. Over the years, Indian public sector undertakings such as BHEL, NBCC, IOC and Oil India, as well as private firms like Punj Lloyd, Shapoorji Pallonji, Unitech, and NIIT, have undertaken projects in infrastructure, power, IT and healthcare sectors across Libya, the Embassy of India website in Tripoli mentioned. While many of these ventures were suspended due to conflict, they are likely to resume once conditions stabilise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Renewed interest in Libyan oil India's crude oil imports from Libya were modest in 2024, amounting to $84.8 million, according to the UN COMTRADE database. This is expected to change if India deepens its engagement with Libya's oil sector. With established diplomatic channels and historic commercial involvement, Indian firms are well-positioned to scale up trade quickly, provided Libya maintains a favourable investment climate. Pressure mounts on Russian crude India's heavy reliance on Russian oil, which surged after the Ukraine war, is now facing serious headwinds. The European Union has introduced new sanctions that will require proof of crude origin for any refined oil products imported into the bloc starting January 21, 2026. The enforcement mechanism adds complexity for Indian refiners who process Russian crude but export finished products globally. Adding to the pressure, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100 per cent secondary tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Russia if no peace deal is reached in Ukraine soon. In 2019, India halted oil imports from Iran under similar threats. Though China continued buying Iranian crude without repercussions, India chose compliance, demonstrating its vulnerability to external geopolitical pressures. Russia's share in India's energy mix Russia emerged as India's top crude oil supplier following the Ukraine invasion in 2022. The share of Russian oil in India's total imports rose dramatically — from just 2.1 per cent in FY22 to 35.1 per cent in FY24–25. In June 2025 alone, India imported 2.08 million barrels per day of Russian crude, the highest in nearly a year. While overall crude imports fell 6 per cent that month, Russian shipments grew by 8 per cent, highlighting India's ongoing dependence. However, narrowing discounts and geopolitical risk may soon force a course correction. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Initially, Russian oil was significantly cheaper than global benchmarks, with the Urals grade priced about $12 per barrel below Brent. But by late 2024, that gap had narrowed, making Russian crude only $4 cheaper than oil from Iraq. Meanwhile, secondary tariffs from the US and new EU rules could make Russian oil imports financially unattractive for Indian refiners. There are worries that supply disruptions could reach 500,000 barrels per day if sanctions fully materialise. Diversifying energy sources In response, India is aggressively diversifying its crude suppliers. According to The Economic Times, Crude oil imports from the United States increased by more than 50 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Imports from Brazil also saw an 80 per cent jump. These shifts reflect Indian refiners' preference for stable, non-OPEC sources amid rising market volatility. The government has also sought guarantees from key West Asian partners to ensure secure supply lines, especially after tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz during the recent Israel-Iran conflict. According to the US Energy Information Administration, India is expected to add 330,000 barrels per day in new demand this year, driven largely by transportation and household fuel needs. India's oil consumption is poised to surpass China's growth rate in 2025, accounting for roughly 25 per cent of the global increase in oil demand. In 2023, India consumed about 5.3 million barrels per day and demand has only grown since. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Vulnerability to price shocks India's economy is particularly sensitive to global crude price fluctuations. A 2023 study by researchers at Vellore Institute of Technology and Pondicherry University found that fuel prices in India respond rapidly to international oil spikes. The Reserve Bank of India estimates that a $10 increase in crude oil prices could raise India's headline inflation by 0.4 per cent. With this level of sensitivity, securing diversified and cost-effective oil imports is essential for economic stability. Hence, India's decision to reopen its Tripoli embassy is not merely symbolic. It is a timely and strategic move to tap into Libya's energy potential, reduce dependence on risky suppliers and reinvigorate bilateral relations. As global energy markets realign, India is betting on a more secure, diversified future and Libya could be an important piece of that puzzle.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
CRPF personnel to be sent to Libya to secure Indian embassy
The CRPF will soon send its personnel to Libya, CRPF director general (DG) GP Singh said at the raising day function of the force on Sunday. A CRPF contingent will be incharge of the embassy security and posted in internal security duty, people aware of the matter said, adding that around 50 officers have been selected. CRPF personnel to be sent to Libya to secure Indian embassy Addressing his troops on the raising day function, Singh said, 'CRPF is not only working inside the country but as part of the United Nations missions, it is posted in Sri Lanka, Haiti, Kosovo, Liberia and other countries as peacekeepers. Currently CRPF is there in the Baghdad embassy and is ready to be sent to Libya.' Singh did not share other details of the CRPF's proposed operations in Libya. 'The MHA has asked CRPF to prepare its best officers. Personnel who have experience of working in conflict, notably J&K, North East and Left Wing Extremism Areas(LWE) areas have been handpicked. The teams are ready and will fly out as soon as the clearance is received from the MHA and MEA,' one officer, who asked not to be named, said. Until 2019, the CRPF was posted in Tripoli(Libya) to guard the Indian embassy but the contingent was pulled up after violence escalated in the country due to the civil war there. India reopened its embassy in June last year, after almost five years during which the mission in Tripoli was maintained by a skeletal staff consisting of a gardener and a consular clerk. Prior to the uprising against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, about 18,000 Indians worked in the country. Amid the fragile security situation in Libya in 2014, some 3,800 Indian nationals were repatriated, including six who had been kidnapped by the Islamic State. At the CRPF's 87th Raising Day function, union home secretary Govind Mohan said that the CRPF has set up 149 camps of forward operating bases in core Naxal areas, which have pushed back forced the left wing extremists. Mohan said the ministry has identified challenges with which the CRPF personnel are living in the camps and conducting anti-Naxal ops. 'In the LWE areas, during an assessment we found out the challenges faced by the jawan – drinking water, road connectivity, mobile phone connectivity. The MHA is in mission mode to provide the best facilities at the camps. In some places such as Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada where there were no roads all these years. The CRPF has set up camps so we are confident in winning this battle in Central India against LWE. It is our duty that we provide the best facilities at the earliest so that our brave personnel have the facilities and can at least take rest when they return to their camps. The Border Roads Organisations(BRO) is working to build roads in core Naxal areas and made it a priority. The Naxal violence is reducing. It is because of the strength of CRPF that the ministry has resolved to end Naxal violence by March 2021, 2026,' Govind said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mizoram governor, BRO discuss fast-tracking strategic border roads and Aizawl bypass
Advt Advt Mizoram governor Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh and chief engineer of Project Pushpak, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), GP Singh, on Tuesday discussed critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing border security and improving connectivity in Mizoram, an official statement said on chief engineer briefed the governor on crucial ongoing projects and proposals to which the latter assured his commitment to facilitating coordination with relevant central and state govt authorities to ensure swift approvals and funding for their timely discussion highlighted six key projects, including the urgent need to upgrade the Kawnpui-Durtlang-Aizawl (K-D-A) road linking Aizawl with Cachar in Assam, and the necessity for securing funds from the ministry of home affairs (MHA).The need for fast-track disposal of land acquisition and forest clearance cases related to international border road works and fencing works under MHA to ensure timely progress was also emphasised. The proposal for the Kawlchaw-Serkawr-Tuipang road , located in the southern part of the state bordering Myanmar, emphasised the need for the state govt to issue an NOC promptly to commence this strategic the sanctioned Old Tualcheng-Pamchung Road, a request was made for the state govt to issue an NOC without conditions related to the exchange of the K-D-A Road, along with permission from the deputy commissioner of Champhai district bordering Myanmar to start the allocation of a package under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) to the 71 RCC (GREF) unit in Lawngtlai was discussed to ensure effective supervision and completion of KMMTTP, highlighting its potential to boost proposal to assign certain packages of the Aizawl Bypass project to Pushpak/BRO to facilitate its smooth and efficient completion, which is critical for decongesting traffic in the capital city, was also discussed during the points were presented to the governor through a detailed presentation, underscoring their importance for Mizoram's infrastructure and security.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Mizoram guv discusses infra projects with BRO chief engineer
1 2 Aizawl: Mizoram governor Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh and chief engineer of Project Pushpak, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), GP Singh, on Tuesday discussed critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing border security and improving connectivity in Mizoram, an official statement said on Tuesday. The chief engineer briefed the governor on crucial ongoing projects and proposals to which the latter assured his commitment to facilitating coordination with relevant central and state govt authorities to ensure swift approvals and funding for their timely implementation. The discussion highlighted six key projects, including the urgent need to upgrade the Kawnpui-Durtlang-Aizawl (K-D-A) road linking Aizawl with Cachar in Assam, and the necessity for securing funds from the ministry of home affairs (MHA). The need for fast-track disposal of land acquisition and forest clearance cases related to international border road works and fencing works under MHA to ensure timely progress was also emphasised. The proposal for the Kawlchaw-Serkawr-Tuipang road, located in the southern part of the state bordering Myanmar, emphasised the need for the state govt to issue an NOC promptly to commence this strategic work. For the sanctioned Old Tualcheng-Pamchung Road, a request was made for the state govt to issue an NOC without conditions related to the exchange of the K-D-A Road, along with permission from the deputy commissioner of Champhai district bordering Myanmar to start the work. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo The allocation of a package under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) to the 71 RCC (GREF) unit in Lawngtlai was discussed to ensure effective supervision and completion of KMMTTP, highlighting its potential to boost development. The proposal to assign certain packages of the Aizawl Bypass project to Pushpak/BRO to facilitate its smooth and efficient completion, which is critical for decongesting traffic in the capital city, was also discussed during the meeting. These points were presented to the governor through a detailed presentation, underscoring their importance for Mizoram's infrastructure and security.
The Print
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Print
Project Pushpak Chief Engineer briefs Mizoram Guv on ongoing projects
While acknowledging the significance of the various projects under Project Pushpak, Singh assured the chief engineer of his commitment to facilitating coordination with relevant Central and state government authorities to ensure swift approvals and funding for their timely implementation, the sources said. The chief engineer also presented proposals to the governor during the meeting. Aizawl, Jul 21 (PTI) The Chief Engineer of Project Pushpak of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) GP Singh on Monday called on Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh and briefed him on critical key infrastructure projects to enhance border security and improve connectivity in the northeastern state, Raj Bhavan sources said. The discussion highlighted six key projects, including the urgent need to upgrade the Kawnpui-Durtlang-Aizawl (K-D-A) road and the necessity for securing funds from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the sources said. The two discussed the need for fast track disposal of Land Acquisition (LA) and Forest Clearance (FC) cases related to International Border (IMB) road works and fencing works under MHA to ensure timely progress, and proposal for the Kawlchaw-Serkawr-Tuipang road, emphasising the need for the state government to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) promptly to commence this strategic work. They also discussed allocation of a package under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) to the 71 RCC (GREF) unit in Lawngtlai to ensure effective supervision and completion of KMMTTP, highlighting its potential to boost development, and also proposal to assign certain packages of the Aizawl bypass project to Pushpak/BRO to facilitate its smooth and efficient completion, which is critical for decongesting traffic in the capital city, the sources said. PTI COR RG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
