India's coal gasification mission, initiated in 2020 with the goal of converting 100 million tonnes of coal into synthesis gas by 2030, has faced significant challenges, including budgetary delays and unspent allocations. The budget for the mission was dramatically increased from ₹300 crore (about $36 million USD) in 2025-26 to ₹3,525 crore (approximately $425 million USD) for 2026-27, yet almost all of the previous year's funds remained unused. This stagnation is particularly concerning amid the ongoing energy crisis stemming from the conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted energy supplies globally. India, as the world's third-largest crude oil importer, is looking to reduce its reliance on imports through initiatives like coal gasification. Despite signing memoranda of understanding with state-owned companies for projects in West Bengal and Odisha, progress has been slow due to delays in government approvals. However, recent announcements indicate that the government is moving forward with several coal gasification projects, aiming to utilize India's substantial coal reserves, estimated at 401 billion tonnes. Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasized the importance of this initiative for cleaner energy solutions and import substitution.