US positioned as key energy partner as India diversifies supply sources

The United States is well-positioned to become a major energy provider for India as New Delhi diversifies its sources of supply, a senior American diplomat said on Thursday. Bethany Morrison, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Department of State, noted that the bilateral relationship has expanded significantly in scope and scale over the past year, encompassing energy security, defence cooperation and commercial engagement. Morrison made the remarks at a roundtable discussion hosted at the New York Foreign Press Centre, emphasising that South Asia has become a key priority for the Trump administration's foreign policy agenda. The two countries have strengthened their partnership across multiple sectors. A 10-year defence framework agreement between India and the US exemplifies the deepening security cooperation, while fresh initiatives in the energy domain signal growing collaboration on resource management and sustainability. Morrison highlighted India's recent nuclear sector reforms, noting that New Delhi passed the SHANTI Act for the first time in two decades, modernising its nuclear regulatory framework. This legislative step has opened new avenues for expanded energy cooperation between the two nations, she indicated. The broadening partnership reflects Washington's strategic interest in supporting India's energy transition while India seeks to reduce dependence on traditional suppliers and secure stable, diverse sources of fuel and power.