US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today, placing energy security and clean technology collaboration at the forefront of bilateral discussions. The meeting, held against the backdrop of volatile global energy markets and accelerating climate pressures, signals a strategic recalibration in one of the world's most consequential partnerships.
India, the world's third largest energy consumer, faces a monumental challenge: sustaining rapid economic growth while reducing its carbon footprint. The country's electricity demand is projected to surge by 50% by 2030, driven by urbanisation and industrial expansion. Yet, coal still accounts for over 70% of its power generation, a reality that puts both its climate pledges and energy sovereignty at risk.
Rubio, a former Florida senator known for his hawkish stance on energy independence, emphasised the need for a diversified portfolio. "The United States and India share a fundamental interest in building resilient, secure energy systems that do not rely on adversarial nations," he stated in a joint press conference. "We are not just talking about fuels. We are talking about the entire supply chain: from solar panels to small modular reactors to strategic mineral extraction."
The discussions zeroed in on three pillars: scaling renewable energy deployment, accelerating nuclear cooperation, and securing critical mineral supply chains. On renewables, both sides acknowledged the gargantuan scale required. India aims to install 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, a target that demands an annual installation rate of roughly 40 gigawatts, equivalent to building 20 large nuclear plants every year. The US has pledged technical assistance and financing mechanisms through the US International Development Finance Corporation to help bridge the investment gap.
Nuclear energy, long a taboo topic in Indian domestic politics due to liability concerns, appears to be gaining fresh momentum. Modi and Rubio discussed expediting the construction of six US-designed AP1000 reactors at the Kovvada site in Andhra Pradesh, a project stalled for nearly a decade over cost and liability disputes. Industry insiders suggest that a revised framework, including shared liability and government-backed insurance, may be announced within weeks.
Perhaps the most consequential development was the announcement of a new joint task force on critical minerals. India possesses significant reserves of rare earth elements essential for wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries, and defence technologies. However, the country remains heavily dependent on China for processing. The US, through its Minerals Security Partnership, aims to co-finance processing facilities in India and other allied nations. "We cannot build a green future on Chinese supply chains," Rubio said bluntly.
The meeting also touched on the geopolitics of energy. With Russia's war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East, both nations are seeking alternatives to volatile fossil fuel corridors. India's continued purchase of Russian oil, which now accounts for nearly 40% of its crude imports, was a point of tension. Rubio reiterated Washington's call for India to reduce its reliance on Moscow, but stopped short of demanding an immediate halt, acknowledging India's energy security constraints.
Environmental groups have reacted with cautious optimism, but also with concern about the pace of change. "We welcome the focus on renewables and nuclear, but concrete timelines and verifiable targets are missing," said Dr. Aruna Sharma, a climate policy analyst at the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi. "India's coal expansion plans remain largely unchecked. The US must ensure that its technology transfers do not become a lifeline for fossil fuel infrastructure."
The bilateral meet concluded with a joint statement outlining a "Clean Energy Roadmap 2030" that includes shared goals for electric vehicle adoption, green hydrogen production, and grid modernisation. But critics note that the roadmap lacks binding commitments or enforcement mechanisms. As the press conference ended, Rubio departed for a tour of the new Solar Energy Corporation of India headquarters, while Modi headed for a meeting with domestic energy executives.
For the rest of the world, the message from New Delhi is clear: energy diplomacy is no longer just about barrels of oil. It is about the raw materials, technologies, and relationships that will define the next century. The question remains whether today's promising discussions can evolve into tangible, transformative action before the window for meaningful climate mitigation closes.
