India, March 30 -- India's rapidly growing demand for natural gas has placed the country at a critical crossroads as tensions in West Asia disrupt one of the world's most important energy routes. The near-standstill at the Strait of Hormuz has triggered fresh concerns about India's dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), even as domestic production struggles to keep pace with demand.

The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of global LNG shipments, and its disruption has already shaken global markets. The ongoing conflict has forced several energy companies to declare supply disruptions, affecting major buyers, including India.

India currently stands among the world's largest LNG importers, and any prolonged disruption ...