Nagesh Kumar, an external member of the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee, has highlighted India's vulnerability to energy shocks due to its dependence on imported crude oil, especially in light of the ongoing West Asia conflict. He stated that while India's economy is projected to grow at nearly 7% in 2026-27, prioritizing energy security is crucial for sustaining this growth trajectory. The West Asia crisis has exacerbated issues such as rising import bills, pressure on the Indian rupee, and increased input costs for industries. Kumar called for a multi-faceted approach that includes ramping up domestic oil and gas exploration, expanding strategic petroleum reserves, and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources. He noted that the recent spike in crude prices is expected to widen India's current account deficit and contribute to inflationary pressures, particularly affecting sectors reliant on natural gas. The Indian government is responding with measures like excise duty cuts to stabilize retail fuel prices and diplomatic efforts to secure energy supplies. Kumar emphasized that enhancing energy efficiency and diversifying import sources are essential to building resilience against future energy shocks.