NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Berry has stressed the need to balance environmental goals with affordability and competitiveness, observing that energy security is now both a diplomatic and structural challenge.
Vice Chairman of the government think tank NITI Aayog, Suman Berry, has urged a review of India’s energy sector market structure, noting that the traditional dominance of public-sector enterprises in hydrocarbons and electricity generation must evolve to reflect the changing dynamics of the global energy transition.
“The structure of our energy market, particularly in hydrocarbons, needs careful rethinking. A balanced mix of public and private participation will be critical to achieving energy efficiency, resilience, and innovation,” Berry said in his keynote address at the Energy Security Conference organised by the industry chamber Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on Thursday.
He emphasised that the country’s vision of Viksit Bharat (developed India) extends beyond economic expansion to building an inclusive society anchored in affordable and sustainable energy access.
“Energy security is not just about ensuring supply; it is about affordability, diversification, and resilience. The future will not be about breakthrough technologies, but about existing technologies breaking through at scale, solar, hydrogen, and renewables made affordable and accessible.”
Berry reiterated India’s commitment to global climate goals, stressing that this stems from conviction rather than compulsion. He highlighted the need to balance environmental aspirations with domestic affordability and industrial competitiveness, observing that energy security today is both a diplomatic and structural challenge.
“In a world where energy markets have become unpredictable, energy security also means ensuring that the actions of others do not limit our choices. While availability, access, and affordability have been the traditional pillars, sustainability and energy access at the micro level are now equally vital. The government has achieved remarkable success in expanding electricity access, but energy affordability must remain central, so we do not trap ourselves in a high-cost energy system.”
He noted that owning resources abroad does not necessarily guarantee energy security, reinforcing the importance of diversification of supply sources, technologies, and ownership models to ensure resilience. Berry added that energy security must be viewed as an integrated policy framework safeguarding both the economy and consumers from volatility, geopolitical disruptions, and rising system costs.
“The real test of our energy system will be whether we can build scale in new technologies without creating price barriers for growth,” he said.
Energy Geopolitics
Also speaking at the event, Piyush Gangadhar, Joint Secretary for Economic Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, addressed the global dimensions of energy security and the interplay between geopolitics, trade, and technology.
“Availability, access and affordability have long been the traditional pillars of energy security, but today, sustainability and supply-chain resilience are equally critical.”
He noted that the global energy landscape is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in history, driven by the convergence of the green transition, digital technologies, and geopolitical shifts.
“We are witnessing a new era where energy choices are shaped not only by technology, but also by geopolitics and trade policy. Conflicts, sanctions, and resource nationalism have constrained major producers and reshaped supply routes.”
Gangadhar highlighted how global contradictions are influencing policy choices, with advocacy and incentives often driven by national interest. He pointed to new trade measures and evolving frameworks such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which are reshaping global energy markets and influencing investment patterns.
“Global energy trade continues to be shaped by strategic considerations and long-standing market structures. These dynamics have important implications for investment flows, innovation, and access to technology, particularly for developing economies.”
He added that India’s approach to energy security is multi-pronged, combining diversification of supply sources, strategic investments, and global partnerships.
“We have built new supply ties with the US, Africa, and Latin America, while continuing to pursue innovative means to secure critical inputs and resources.”
Gangadhar underlined that self-reliance in the energy sector must be built on openness, cooperation, and strategic foresight through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuels Alliance, and new supply-chain partnerships under frameworks like the Quad. He added that India is also seeking full membership of the International Energy Agency (IEA) to strengthen its role in shaping the global discourse on energy markets.