Tensions in West Asia have surged again after Iran launched a surprise strike on a U.S. military base in Jordan, ending days of relative calm and signaling what analysts believe is a major shift in Tehran's military strategy.

Unlike previous exchanges, Iran struck first instead of waiting for another U.S. attack. Experts suggest Tehran may now prefer a controlled, low-intensity conflict over a prolonged ceasefire that leaves sanctions and economic isolation unchanged.

The conflict is also reshaping global energy markets, with rising oil prices potentially benefiting countries like Russia, while China continues to strengthen its position in global energy and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, the human cost continues to rise. Reports indicate that 16 Indian nationals, including several seafarers, have lost their lives amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Iran Launches Surprise Strike on U.S. Base in Jordan | West Asia War Escalates | US- Iran War 

In a major escalation of the Israel–Iran war, Israeli forces have struck Iran’s South Pars gas field, the world’s largest natural gas reserve shared with Qatar, hitting processing facilities and sparking global energy concerns. The attack—confirmed by multiple sources as part of wider military operations—has disrupted Iranian gas output, drawn international attention to energy security, and triggered retaliatory threats against regional infrastructure. 


Israel-Iran War: Israel Targets South Pars, World's Largest Gas Field, In Iran

Shipping chokepoints around the world are emerging as critical arteries for global energy trade, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions. Four major straits, the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el‑Mandeb, Suez Canal, and Strait of Malacca, now play a crucial role in moving oil, liquefied gas, and other energy supplies to markets worldwide.

Global Energy Dependence on Four Key Shipping Chokepoints 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate India Energy Week 2026 on January 27. The flagship event will bring together global energy leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss India’s energy transition, sustainability goals, and future energy security. The event highlights India’s growing role in the global energy sector.

India Energy Week Expands Global Footprint

India Energy Week 2026: Global Energy Leaders Gather As PM Modi Opens India Energy Week

As we head into business as usual in 2026, we put the spotlight on how the global energy map is being redrawn. The “battle for oil” is no longer just regional. It is increasingly tied to competition over how oil is priced and paid for globally.

Crude Oil Trade: Is The Petrodollar Dominance Under Threat?

How Crude Oil Trade is Shifting in 2026

Iran's parliament's to close the Strait of Hormuz has triggered global concern. The chokepoint handles 20 per cent of oil and 30 per cent of LNG. The disruption pushed prices to $130, delayed shipments, and sparked a global energy and security crisis with no real alternatives available.


Strait of Hormuz: Why it is the the world’s most important oil chokepoint?

India is expected to lead the global energy demand in the coming years. The country’s rich demographics and growing consumption calls for more energy production. But what are the speedbumps in India’s road to self-sufficiency in power generation? Take a look at this report for more.

Powering up India: A trillion-dollar challenge

A suspected drone attack has rocked Russian energy giant Novatek, forcing a temporary halt to operations at its UST-Luga processing complex and Baltic sea terminal. This incident, coupled with escalating tensions in the region, is sending shockwaves through global energy markets.

Novatek's UST-Luga operations disrupted by suspected drone attack

The United Nations has now issued another grim warning on climate change. They have warned that the global energy system is driving humanity towards a catastrophe. The UN Secretary General has called upon the countries now to fasten their transition from fossil fuels in a bid to combat climate change

UN: Global Energy system driving humanity towards catastrophe

Oil prices have surged hitting a record seven-year high as fears over energy supplies escalate. Russia is the world's second largest oil exporter and top natural gas producer.

Oil prices hit a record 7-year-high, fears of global energy supply escalate

Global energy transition is on a fast track and India is not far behind. India’s absolute commitment towards carbon neutral economy is well appreciated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the biggest supporters of expanding green and sustainable sources of energy, thereby mitigating risks of damaging the environment. 
 
With reference to energy transition, countries like Iceland, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Morocco, Denmark, China and the United States are setting benchmarks for the rest of the world.

Noticeably strong policy interventions along with heightened investment in sustainable energy remain the major catalysts of energy transition in these countries.&nbsp;

India’s rise to the occasion is noteworthy and quite exciting for local and global stakeholders. Not long ago, coal was considered the ‘backbone’ of India’s power sector, but today renewable sources like solar and wind are well placed to change that narrative. Currently, grid-connected renewable installation capacity driven by wind and solar exceeds 75 gw. Solar with 26 gw is strongly poised to surpass wind (35 gw) as the largest renewable source within a couple of years

During April-December 2018, India added 4,374 mw of grid-connected solar power against the target of 11,000 mw for the financial year.&nbsp;

By the virtue of expanding domestic solar market base and greater emphasis on ‘Make in India’, domestic manufacturers are becoming competitive to counter Chinese import threat. Interestingly, India’s average monthly solar component import reduced from $349 million in 2017-18 to $193 million during April-December 2018. In the context of coal-fired plants being the biggest and cheapest suppliers of power to grid, renewable sources desperately wanted “grid parity”.&nbsp;

No longer do solar and wind power face the burden of high tariff. Near monopoly of coal as a cheaper source of power is under severe threat—even long term existence of coal power is a big question. Market-discovered pricing and mega-scale installations of renewable projects has brought down tariff of renewable power below the so-called conventional ‘grid-party’. Through the auction process, the Solar Energy Corporation of India and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd discovered solar and wind tariff of Rs 2.44/kWh and Rs 2.43/kWh respectively.&nbsp;

As the coal and renewable story unfolds, coal -- the frugal source of power - loses the coveted tag of the ‘cheapest’ but retains the undesirable tag of `dirtiest’ power.&nbsp;

Despite renewables making significant inroads in the direction of price rationalisation, other factors like long- term price sustainability and efficiency are under relentless scrutiny. Industry analysts pose relevant questions: Are the renewable producers playing to win bids? Will they be able to sustain the low prices?&nbsp;

The renewable power industry is at the growth stage and within the next five years, the real battle might unravel true survivors.

The emerging competition, market structure and customer preferences will decide the winner between the ‘cheapest’ and ‘finest’. It may so happen that the ‘finest’ would be one amongst the cheapest; then, what would happen to the rest?&nbsp;

Till 2022, the domestic renewable market will remain buoyant, subject to continued thrust of government at the helm of affairs. Beyond 2022, many renewable firms may face financial stress; therefore a phase of consolidation is natural.&nbsp;

In India’s energy transition, road transport deserves the utmost attention. Policy makers are clearly pushing for much greener and cleaner technologies.&nbsp;

Lately, electric vehicles (EV) have received government thrust, investors’ interest and consumer acceptance. For the last couple of years, many stakeholders have backed electric cars, which called for a reality check as limiting factors outstripped the enablers.

However, mid-course corrections and reactive measures are being undertaken to strengthen the EV transition. The two-wheeler segment that was not on the immediate radar, started to gain attention.

Faster adoption of EV could be achieved through advancement in storage technology, reducing the cost of EV acquisition, creating adequate charging infrastructure and offering convenient charging facilities. &nbsp;

Natural gas – the cleanest fossil fuel - is destined to impact energy transition in a much bigger way than ever anticipated in India.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-energy-transition-is-on-smooth-road-and-fast-track-in-india-2723961">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Global energy transition is on a fast track and India is not far behind. India’s absolute commitment towards carbon neutral economy is well appreciated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the biggest supporters of expanding green and sustainable sources of energy, thereby mitigating risks of damaging the environment.

Global energy transition is on a fast track and India is not far behind. India’s absolute commitment towards carbon neutral economy is well appreciated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the biggest supporters of expanding green and sustainable sources of energy, thereby mitigating risks of damaging the environment. With reference to energy transition, countries like Iceland, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Morocco, Denmark, China and the United States are setting benchmarks for the rest of the world. Noticeably strong policy interventions along with heightened investment in sustainable energy remain the major catalysts of energy transition in these countries. India’s rise to the occasion is noteworthy and quite exciting for local and global stakeholders. Not long ago, coal was considered the ‘backbone’ of India’s power sector, but today renewable sources like solar and wind are well placed to change that narrative. Currently, grid-connected renewable installation capacity driven by wind and solar exceeds 75 gw. Solar with 26 gw is strongly poised to surpass wind (35 gw) as the largest renewable source within a couple of years During April-December 2018, India added 4,374 mw of grid-connected solar power against the target of 11,000 mw for the financial year. By the virtue of expanding domestic solar market base and greater emphasis on ‘Make in India’, domestic manufacturers are becoming competitive to counter Chinese import threat. Interestingly, India’s average monthly solar component import reduced from $349 million in 2017-18 to $193 million during April-December 2018. In the context of coal-fired plants being the biggest and cheapest suppliers of power to grid, renewable sources desperately wanted “grid parity”. No longer do solar and wind power face the burden of high tariff. Near monopoly of coal as a cheaper source of power is under severe threat—even long term existence of coal power is a big question. Market-discovered pricing and mega-scale installations of renewable projects has brought down tariff of renewable power below the so-called conventional ‘grid-party’. Through the auction process, the Solar Energy Corporation of India and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd discovered solar and wind tariff of Rs 2.44/kWh and Rs 2.43/kWh respectively. As the coal and renewable story unfolds, coal -- the frugal source of power - loses the coveted tag of the ‘cheapest’ but retains the undesirable tag of `dirtiest’ power. Despite renewables making significant inroads in the direction of price rationalisation, other factors like long- term price sustainability and efficiency are under relentless scrutiny. Industry analysts pose relevant questions: Are the renewable producers playing to win bids? Will they be able to sustain the low prices? The renewable power industry is at the growth stage and within the next five years, the real battle might unravel true survivors. The emerging competition, market structure and customer preferences will decide the winner between the ‘cheapest’ and ‘finest’. It may so happen that the ‘finest’ would be one amongst the cheapest; then, what would happen to the rest? Till 2022, the domestic renewable market will remain buoyant, subject to continued thrust of government at the helm of affairs. Beyond 2022, many renewable firms may face financial stress; therefore a phase of consolidation is natural. In India’s energy transition, road transport deserves the utmost attention. Policy makers are clearly pushing for much greener and cleaner technologies. Lately, electric vehicles (EV) have received government thrust, investors’ interest and consumer acceptance. For the last couple of years, many stakeholders have backed electric cars, which called for a reality check as limiting factors outstripped the enablers. However, mid-course corrections and reactive measures are being undertaken to strengthen the EV transition. The two-wheeler segment that was not on the immediate radar, started to gain attention. Faster adoption of EV could be achieved through advancement in storage technology, reducing the cost of EV acquisition, creating adequate charging infrastructure and offering convenient charging facilities. Natural gas – the cleanest fossil fuel - is destined to impact energy transition in a much bigger way than ever anticipated in India. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Energy transition is on smooth road and fast track in India

For the first time today, China &ndash; which has been standing in the way of India becoming a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group &ndash; said the door to discussion on the subject &ldquo;is open&rdquo;. But it also took a swipe at the US for backing India&#39;s entry into the group, saying America was one of the countries responsible for the rule that countries which have not signed the NPT (like India) cannot join the NSG. &nbsp; 
 
At the same time the Chinese foreign ministry asked the 48-member NSG to &quot;stay focused&quot; on whether membership criteria to the elite group should be changed. 
 
&quot;I have not seen the US statement supporting India? But US is one of those who made the rule that non-NPT countries should not join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG),&quot; Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a briefing of the media. 
 
&quot;The relevant rule was made on the principle that NPT was the cornerstone of the NSG,&quot; she said. 
 
Hua&#39;s answer came in reply to a question about the US asking members of the NSG to support India&#39;s application. 
 
&quot;The door is open. The room is there. We never said we are against (a country). We did not target any country, India or Pakistan,&quot; Hua said. 
 
China for its part, she said, cares about signing of the NPT as an admission criteria for new members, she said. 
 
&quot;This is the core of the international non-proliferation. If the non-proliferation regime is changed, how can we explain the Iranian nuclear treaty?&quot; Hua argued. 
 
&quot;We just had a treaty with Iran. We have North Korean issues there... So this concerns the core issue whether NPT and non-proliferation system could be impacted by this,&quot; she said. 
 
Reiterating what she said yesterday, Hua stated: &quot;According to my understanding, it (entry of new members) is not on the agenda of the NSG meeting in Seoul.&quot; 
 
&quot;The door is open for the admission of the non-NPT members. It is never closed. It is open. But the members of the NSG should stay focussed on whether the criteria should be changed and whether non-NPT members should be admitted into the NSG,&quot; she said. 
 
About the US backing India&#39;s bid for membership, Hua said, &quot;We care about rules. US just sets the rules. This is not an issue between China and India but (about) the pillar for non-proliferation system,&quot; she said.&nbsp; 
 
American support for India:&nbsp; 
 
The US has affirmed its support for India joining the NSG and has asked other NSG member states to do so too.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We believe, and this has been US policy for some time, that India is ready for membership and the United States calls on participating governments to support India&#39;s application at the plenary session of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG),&quot; White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters. 
 
&quot;At the same time, participating governments will need to reach a consensus decision in order to admit any applicant into the group and the United States will certainly be advocating for India&#39;s membership,&quot; Earnest said as the annual five-day plenary session of the 48-member club began in the South Korean capital yesterday. 
 
While the majority of NSG members are backing India&#39;s entry into the NSG, it is understood that &ndash; apart from China &ndash; Turkey, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand are not in favour. The NSG works under the principle of consensus and even one country&#39;s vote against India will scuttle its bid. &nbsp; 
 
&#39;If India gets in, so does Pakistan&#39; 
 
China opposes India&#39;s entry, arguing that it has not signed the NPT. But it has been batting for close ally Pakistan&#39;s entry into the NSG should the group allow India any exemptions.&nbsp; 
 
Pakistan applied for NSG membership a week after India submitted its application. 
 
India &ndash; citing the case of France, and saying that it&#39;s a precedent &ndash; has said that being a signatory to the NPT is not essential to joining the NSG. 
 
India is seeking membership to the NSG to enable it to trade in and export nuclear technology. 
 
Access to the NSG, which regulates the global trade in nuclear technology, is expected to open up the international market to energy-starved India, which has an ambitious energy-generation programme. India is looking at meeting a 63,000 MW-energy requirement by 2030 via its nuclear programme.&nbsp; 
(PTI)

But it takes a swipe at the US, saying they were the ones who said countries that have not signed the NPT, like India, cannot join the NSG

For the first time today, China – which has been standing in the way of India becoming a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group – said the door to discussion on the subject “is open”. But it also took a swipe at the US for backing India's entry into the group, saying America was one of the countries responsible for the rule that countries which have not signed the NPT (like India) cannot join the NSG. At the same time the Chinese foreign ministry asked the 48-member NSG to "stay focused" on whether membership criteria to the elite group should be changed. "I have not seen the US statement supporting India? But US is one of those who made the rule that non-NPT countries should not join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a briefing of the media. "The relevant rule was made on the principle that NPT was the cornerstone of the NSG," she said. Hua's answer came in reply to a question about the US asking members of the NSG to support India's application. "The door is open. The room is there. We never said we are against (a country). We did not target any country, India or Pakistan," Hua said. China for its part, she said, cares about signing of the NPT as an admission criteria for new members, she said. "This is the core of the international non-proliferation. If the non-proliferation regime is changed, how can we explain the Iranian nuclear treaty?" Hua argued. "We just had a treaty with Iran. We have North Korean issues there... So this concerns the core issue whether NPT and non-proliferation system could be impacted by this," she said. Reiterating what she said yesterday, Hua stated: "According to my understanding, it (entry of new members) is not on the agenda of the NSG meeting in Seoul." "The door is open for the admission of the non-NPT members. It is never closed. It is open. But the members of the NSG should stay focussed on whether the criteria should be changed and whether non-NPT members should be admitted into the NSG," she said. About the US backing India's bid for membership, Hua said, "We care about rules. US just sets the rules. This is not an issue between China and India but (about) the pillar for non-proliferation system," she said. American support for India: The US has affirmed its support for India joining the NSG and has asked other NSG member states to do so too. "We believe, and this has been US policy for some time, that India is ready for membership and the United States calls on participating governments to support India's application at the plenary session of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)," White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters. "At the same time, participating governments will need to reach a consensus decision in order to admit any applicant into the group and the United States will certainly be advocating for India's membership," Earnest said as the annual five-day plenary session of the 48-member club began in the South Korean capital yesterday. While the majority of NSG members are backing India's entry into the NSG, it is understood that – apart from China – Turkey, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand are not in favour. The NSG works under the principle of consensus and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid. 'If India gets in, so does Pakistan' China opposes India's entry, arguing that it has not signed the NPT. But it has been batting for close ally Pakistan's entry into the NSG should the group allow India any exemptions. Pakistan applied for NSG membership a week after India submitted its application. India – citing the case of France, and saying that it's a precedent – has said that being a signatory to the NPT is not essential to joining the NSG. India is seeking membership to the NSG to enable it to trade in and export nuclear technology. Access to the NSG, which regulates the global trade in nuclear technology, is expected to open up the international market to energy-starved India, which has an ambitious energy-generation programme. India is looking at meeting a 63,000 MW-energy requirement by 2030 via its nuclear programme. (PTI)

China says 'door open' to talking about India joining NSG

global-energy

Global Energy, News on Global Energy, stories on Global Energy, articles on Global Energy, Global Energy stories at Wion, Global Energy news, Global Energy latest news