Beyond The Blockade: Ambassador Deepak Mittal On Why India’s Energy Security Is ‘In Place’ | Exclusive

Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 22:35 IST

Dr Mittal said that whatever supplies are available are being picked up, and a diversification of supplies is also underway

Amid concern over the energy crisis developing in West Asia and its impact on India, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, told CNN-News18 in an exclusive conversation that the Government of India is in constant touch with the UAE to maintain supply lines.

Dr Mittal said that whatever supplies are available are being picked up, and a diversification of supplies is also underway.

“The Honourable Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas spoke in Parliament, and I don’t think he said there is a crisis in India. I think what he mentioned was that we have been able to navigate very successfully—something that many other countries have not managed. This is a result of careful planning and various measures that have been undertaken," he said. “With the UAE, we have been partners for over the last decade; there is a close partnership even at the leadership level. They have partnered with us in our Strategic Petroleum Reserves in India. So, all that is ensuring that our energy security is very much in place. Domestically, also, measures are being taken to ramp up production. So, we don’t need to have so much concern about the situation. As far as LPG is concerned, we continue to maintain our interaction with all our partners, including those in the UAE. At the end of the day, at all levels, we are ensuring and picking up supplies wherever possible. There is no doubt that challenges have developed, but within that limitation, we have diversified our supplies and we will continue to pick up whatever is available in the Gulf region from the UAE."

No Indians Stranded in UAE

The ambassador also disclosed that all stranded Indian nationals have now returned home. He said flight operations have resumed and, depending on demand, capacity can be increased further.

“No Indian is stuck here anymore. All Indians are back home safely. There is limited operation since the airspace is not fully open, but I speak to airline operators and they say that there is not much demand. They are ready to ramp up operations as per demand," he said.

No Need to Panic

Praising the UAE government for its handling of the conflict situation, Dr Mittal said that the expat community, in its conversations with the Indian Embassy, has expressed confidence in the UAE government.

“I would say that the situation is calm and controlled, and there is no reason to panic. I have been speaking to the Indian community here, and most of them say that they are happy here and there is no reason for them to go back. The Indian community here in the UAE is calm and composed; more concern is coming from their families back in India," he said.

Dr Mittal said that the UAE government seemed in complete control since essential supplies and medical facilities were available. Decisions such as quick visa extensions and fine waivers are being taken, and expats feel as cared for as the locals.

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