India, US shift focus on coal gasification

Amid fuel crisis triggered by Iran war, talks in Washington centre on expanding energy ties, including on nuclear power

- JAYANTH JACOB @New Delhi

AMID geopolitical uncertainty triggered by the West Asia crisis, India is sharpening its energy strategy by accelerating cooperation with the US in coal gasification, a technology seen as key to reducing import dependence and strengthening economic resilience.

The focus emerged during talks between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, where both sides agreed to expand collaboration in emerging areas of the energy sector, including coal gasification and liquefied petroleum gas exports. Coal gasification is being positioned as a transformative pathway that converts coal into syngas, which can then be used to produce cleaner fuels, fertilizers, chemicals, and hydrogen. Officials see this as a strategic lever for India.

Misri’s discussion with Wright focused on “advancing energy security, deepening bilateral energy trade, and identifying new avenues to strengthen the India-US Energy Partnership,” the Indian Embassy in Washington said.