The ongoing conflict in West Asia has underscored India's significant vulnerability to energy shocks, prompting Nagesh Kumar, an external member of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee, to advocate for a strategic shift in energy policy. Kumar emphasizes the necessity for India to reduce its reliance on imported crude oil, which currently exposes the economy to volatility in global energy markets. He suggests that India should enhance domestic oil and gas exploration while accelerating the transition to alternative and cleaner energy sources. With the Indian economy projected to grow nearly 7% by 2026-27, Kumar believes prioritizing energy security is essential for sustaining this growth trajectory. The conflict has already impacted the economy through increased import costs and inflation, particularly affecting sectors reliant on natural gas. In response, the Indian government has initiated measures such as diplomatic efforts to stabilize energy supplies and fiscal actions like excise duty cuts on fuels. Kumar also highlights the importance of improving energy efficiency and diversifying import sources to mitigate future vulnerabilities.