Relevance: GS II (International Relations) & GS III (Energy & Agriculture) | Source: National News

1. The Big Problem & The Good News

Amid the ongoing war in West Asia (Middle East), global supply chains are badly broken. 

• The Good News: To help India survive this crisis, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister visited Delhi with a solid promise. Russia has guaranteed a non-stop supply of Crude Oil and Liquid Gas (LNG) to India. This ensures our petrol pumps and industries keep running smoothly.

2. Beyond Petrol: Protecting the Indian Farmer

This meeting was not just about fuel; it was about protecting our food prices. If fertilizers are costly, vegetables and grains become costly.

• More Supply: Russia has already increased the supply of crucial fertilizers to India by 40% this year.
• Make in India: Instead of just buying from Russia forever, both countries have decided to start a joint factory to manufacture Carbamide (Urea) together. This will drastically reduce the money India spends on imports.

3. Significance of the Move

• Avoiding Dangerous Seas: The sea route near the Middle East (called the Strait of Hormuz) is too risky right now due to the war. Depending only on the Middle East for oil is a bad idea.
• Strategic Autonomy: Western countries (like the USA) often pressure India to stop talking to Russia. But India follows the rule of “Strategic Autonomy.” This means India takes its own decisions based on what is best for the Indian common man, rather than bowing down to foreign pressure.

This strong friendship and these business deals are also preparing the ground for the upcoming BRICS Summit, which India will be hosting later this year.

The “UPSC Trap”

• The “Carbamide” Trap: UPSC loves to use tough scientific names to confuse students. If a statement says, “Carbamide is a rare, restricted chemical used in nuclear plants,” mark it Incorrect. Carbamide is simply the scientific name for Urea, the everyday fertilizer used by our farmers.
• The “LNG Pipeline” Trap: UPSC might say that Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is transported from Russia to India using long underground pipelines. Incorrect. Gas is converted into a liquid (LNG) specifically so it can be filled into massive ships and transported across oceans where pipelines cannot reach.

UPSC Value Box

With reference to India’s energy and agricultural imports, consider the following statements:

1. Carbamide is a heavily utilized nitrogenous fertilizer in Indian agriculture, commonly known as Urea.
2. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) refers to natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state primarily to facilitate transportation via specialized maritime vessels.
3. In recent times, India has completely stopped its crude oil imports from Russia due to pressure from Western nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (a)