India Expands Regional Energy Outreach as Mauritius and Seychelles Seek Fuel Supplies

Mintesinot Nigussie

India has received requests from Mauritius and Seychelles for energy supplies and is considering a government-to-government arrangement with Mauritius, the foreign ministry said on Friday, as part of its widening energy cooperation across the Indian Ocean region.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the proposals from both island nations reflect growing demand for structured energy partnerships with India. India is already supplying fuel to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, and has also received a separate request from the Maldives.

Jaiswal added that India, which depends on the Strait of Hormuz for around 40 percent of its crude oil imports, has been invited by Britain and France to join an initiative aimed at improving access and security along the key shipping corridor.

The comments come as New Delhi deepens its engagement in regional energy logistics through bilateral arrangements and broader maritime cooperation initiatives. Businesses in energy trading, shipping and logistics are closely monitoring India’s expanding role in the Indian Ocean region’s fuel supply chains.

Overall, India’s consideration of energy supply requests from Mauritius and Seychelles highlights its growing influence as a regional energy partner and its strategic efforts to diversify energy cooperation beyond traditional markets.