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| India’s Shinning Diplomacy Viz a Viz LPG Crisis | | | Omkar Dattatray
A nation of 1.4 billion people, the world’s largest democracy, and the fastest -growing major economy, India is at the centre of a once-in-a -generation power shift. India is among the few nations, shaping the new world order. It is because of, the diplomacy flex, the diaspora network, the soft power metrics, Indian century, the shaping influence, and the legacy of wisdom. India’s “shinning’’ diplomacy, often termed assertive and multi-aligned, marks a proactive era focusing on national interests, economic growth, and global leadership. key pillars include leveraging cultural power [yoga, diaspora], firm stance against terrorism, and balancing relations with major powers like the US, Russia, Middle East, elevating its global standing. Key Facets of India’s Modern Diplomacy include, Multi-Aligned Approach, Assertive Anti-Terrorism stance, strategic global presence, Cultural & Digital soft power, Leadership in Global South and G20, and Diplomacy &Development. This proactive approach has strengthened India’s position as a reliable, influential player on the global stage, earning accolades for its balanced, principled, and confident foreign policy. India’s ‘’shinning’’ diplomacy reflects a confident nation, projecting itself as a credible, responsible, and strong partner in global affairs, ensuring its voice matters in international forums. India’s ‘’shinning’’ diplomacy, characterized by proactive and multi-aligned strategies, has elevated its global stature through assertive counter -terrorism efforts, cultural soft power, and a confident India ‘’India First’’ approach. Under PM Modi, India effectively bridges ideological divides, engaging simultaneously with powers like US, and Russia while leveraging its diaspora, yoga, and economic growth to influence global narrative. India’s diplomacy and strategic importance is famous world over. India’s clout, influence, say and popularity is acknowledged throughout the globe. Indian diplomacy is shining and our country uses the diplomacy in normal times and even in abnormal times. Thus, when there is West Asia/Middle East crisis due to the conflict between Isreal, Iran and US and its supporters and allies. India’s diplomatic efforts during the March 2026, Middle East crisis have been widely characterized as a ‘’shinning’’ example of strategic balancing and proactive crisis management, successfully protect98ing its energy supply, particularly LPG [liquefied Petroleum Gas], amidst intense regional conflict. India is beset with the problem of crude oil and LPG crisis and amidst Middle East conflict. India’s diplomacy shines and it speaks for itself. It is triumph of Indian diplomacy that we have been able to procure 92 thousand metric tonnes of Liquified Petroleum Gas from Qutar and given the war it is no ordinary thing but it points to the successful diplomacy and our sworn enemy Pakistan is frustrated over India getting supplies of LPG in turbulent times. Shinning diplomacy in the context of the 2026 LPG crisis refers to India’s strategic ,balanced foreign policy moves designed to secure energy supplies amid severe disruption to global shipping routes caused by the Iran-Isreal-US conflict .As a significant portion of India’s LPG passes through the volatile Strait of Hormuz, the government utilized diplomatic channels to secure safe passage for carriers and explore alternative sourcing to prevent a domestic energy collapse.
Key Aspects of the 2026’’Shinning Diplomacy’’ Strategy---1-Securing the Strait of Hormuz---Despite the near-standstill of commercial shipping. India’s diplomatic efforts led to rare exemptions, allowing Indian-flagged LPG carriers [such as Shivalik and Nanda Devi]to pass through the strait, often under the supervision of Indian Navy. 2---Diversification of Energy Sources—India has leveraged its geopolitical relationships to diversify away from exclusive reliance on West Asia, including securing a major, structured 2.2 MTPA LPG import contract with the United States for 2026. 3---Balanced Foreign Policy---India’s ability to maintain functional relationships with both Western powers and regional actors [including Iran] has allowed it to navigate the geopolitical tensions without losing supply. 4—Alternative Routing & Supplies---While the Strait of Hormuz is the primary route, diplomatic and logistics efforts allowed 70% of imports to re-routed through other channels in a short period.5—Breakthrough for LPG Carriers---Two Indian vessels ,Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying over 92,000metric tonnes of LPG to Mudra and Kandla ports, successfully passed through the conflict zone ,demonstrating successful behind-the-scene negotiations. 6---Non-Aligned Pragmatism---By maintaining a neutral ,non-aligned stance in the conflict ,India prevented its energy lifeline from being severed ,ensuring that LPG supplies -essential for millions of households ,especially under the PMUY remained consistent.7---Inter-ministerial Coordination ---The government established a multi-pronged approach involving the MEA ,ministry of Petroleum b and Natural Gas ,and shipping Ministry to ensure real-time tracking of vessels and security monitoring.8---Alternative Energy Security---Amidst the tension ,India continued its reliance on existing ,stable contracts and demonstrated readiness to increase Russian crude imports if necessary ,showing preparedness for a multi-layered energy security plan.
This ‘’quiet diplomacy’’ allowed India to safeguard its energy security without becoming entangled in the geopolitical volatility of the region.
LPG Crisis Context [March 2026] ---The crisis began when the escalation of the conflict in West Asia brough commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to a near-standstill, threatening over 60% of India’s LPG import. This, prompted widespread fears of rationing and severe shortages in domestic and commercial sectors.
Other Government Responses to the Crisis---1—Emergency Measures –The government invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritize domestic consumption, forcing refineries to maximise LPG production and prioritize households over commercial users. 2—Refinery Diversion----Refineries were directed to stop using propane and butane for petrochemicals and instead convert them into domestic LPG, increasing output by nearly 28% 3---Rationing ---To curb panic buying, the mandatory gap between domestic cylinder bookings was extended to 25 days.
Despite the ‘’shinning ‘’ diplomacy, the crisis created significant disruptions for restaurants, hotels, and small businesses, resulting in some closures and widespread demand for alternative fuels.
India’s foreign policy is navigating the changing world order by shifting away from traditional alignments, preferring to align with its own national interests, human welfare, and peace. West Asia has transformed into a battlefield rained by fireballs. Seas or land, everywhere echoes the roar of cataclysmic explosions, flickering flames, and swirling smoke clouds et amid such adversity, Indian ships boldly waving the Tricolour navigate the strait undeterred, entering the Arabian sea. More remarkably, Iran has sealed its airspace to global flights but opened it for the safe evacuation of Indian’s. In a world racing towards conflict, Modi has proved India’s foreign policy ranks among the world’s finest. Guided by ‘Nation First’ and prioritising Indian safety and interests it steadfastly embodies ‘Vsdudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the world as one family. It is the strength of Indian diplomacy that thousands of Indians come back home from Iran. Besides Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked with Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian to secure Iran’s airspace for the safe evacuation of Indian’s, a privilege denied to any other country. Additionally, clearance was granted for Indian ships carrying crude oil and LPG to pass safely through the Hormuz Strait. No other country’s vessels are navigating these waters, except for those of Iran’s ally, China. To sum up, it can be safely said that all this is possible due to the shinning diplomacy and its strategic shifts.
The author is a Rtd. Education Officer |
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