Indian commentators say Qatar is key to supplying India's natural gasneeds.
India imports buys some 11 million tonnes of its 27 million-tonne annual of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports from Qatar, mostly under long-term deals.
"This steady flow is critical for sectors such as power generation, fertilisers, and city gas distribution," Arpit Chandna, an energy specialist with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), told Sputnik India, and "plays a vital role in supporting India's shift toward a gas‑based, lower‑carbon energy mix."
"As LNG functions as the transition fuel in India's energy journey, Qatar provides both the scale and long-term certainty necessary to sustain that trajectory," Chandna added.
But that dependence also highlights India's vulnerability to maritime risks.
A major part of Indian LNG and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, tying supply to stability in the Persian Gulf region.
Secure sea lanes and freedom of navigation remain core priorities for the Indian energy security planning, Chandna explained.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) complements the gas partnership by strengthening India's crude oil security.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) complements the gas partnership by strengthening India's crude oil security.
With India buying more than 85% of its oil from overseas, the UAE is among its most reliable suppliers, Chandna noted.
"Beyond supply volumes, the relationship has evolved into a strategic safeguard," Chandna said.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) keeps oil stocks in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves, including at Mangalore, where India has access in emergencies, he explained.
Indian trade with Qatar and the UAE is about diversification and risk management.
Qatar brings long-term gas supply stability, while the UAE reduces oil‑related risks through secure supply and storage. Together, they help reduce Indian dependence on volatile spot markets, Chandna said.
India increasingly values reliability and resilience over short‑term price advantages.
Beyond the conventional energy trade, that reflects a strategic alignment that will play a decisive role in shaping India's energy security and economic growth over the coming decade, Chandna said.
Bengaluru-based geopolitical analyst Girish Linganna told Sputnik Puri's visit to Doha comes at a critical stage, with talks between the two countries focused on fast-tracking LNG and LPG supplies as soon as Iran lifts its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Qatari Ras Laffan LNG hub has lost 17% — around 12.8 million tonnes per annum — of its capacity, with repairs expected to take three to five years.
Despite hits to key sites like Habshan and Das Island, the UAE is using bypass pipelines to maintain oil exports.
Despite hits to key sites like Habshan and Das Island, the UAE is using bypass pipelines to maintain oil exports.
It remains a steady oil and emerging LNG siupllier, with long-term deals secured for 2026 to 2028, he stated.
"In this difficult phase, what these nations can realistically offer is priority continuity for Indian contracts, diplomatic support to reopen shipping routes, and deeper clean energy cooperation—helping India stay stable without walking away from its trusted Gulf partners," Linganna said.