Emerging Threats to India’s Energy Security: Drone Warfare, Cyber Attacks, and Geopolitical RisksDate: 16 August 2025 by: Brig Hemant Mahajan,YSM

 India faces an unprecedented convergence of threats to its energy security arising from hostile neighbors, cyber warfare, and global geopolitical conflicts. Recent remarks by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, threatening potential nuclear escalation and drone strikes on India’s largest refinery in Jamnagar, underscore the growing vulnerability of India’s strategic infrastructure.

The increasing use of drones in warfare (Russia–Ukraine conflict, West Asia conflicts), cyberattacks on energy infrastructure (Colonial Pipeline attack in the US, attacks on Indian grids), and strategic petroleum reserve inadequacies highlight India’s pressing need to redefine its energy security within a national defense framework.

This article evaluates the threats, presents case studies and statistics, and outlines key policy recommendations for India’s future energy resilience.

1. Introduction

Energy security is no longer just an economic issue—it has become a national security imperative. India imports nearly 88% of its crude oil and 50% of its LNG, making its economy acutely vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, cyberattacks, and military strikes.

The threats are multifold:

• Drone Warfare targeting refineries, pipelines, and ports.
• Cyber Warfare against refineries, power grids, and distribution networks.
• Geopolitical Conflicts threatening chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal.
• Domestic Security Breaches from Pakistan-sponsored drone smuggling and potential terror strikes.

2. Pakistan’s Threats to Indian Strategic Assets

• Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir recently threatened nuclear escalation and potential drone/missile strikes on India’s Jamnagar Refinery (Reliance Industries), the world’s largest refinery with a processing capacity of 1.24 million barrels/day.
• Pakistan has already been using drones extensively for:
• Smuggling narcotics and arms across the Punjab border.
• Over 500 drones counted by BSF and Punjab Police in 2024 (many x increase since 2019).
• If weaponized, such drones could target: Refineries, Airports, Data centers, Nuclear power plants, Urban centers

 Implication: Civilian and industrial hubs are within strike range, making anti-drone defense systems a necessity, not a luxury.

3. International Case Studies: Drone & Cyber Warfare

Drone Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

• Russia–Ukraine War (2022–2025):
• Monthly 1,000–1,500 drone strikes.
• Targets: Power stations, rail hubs, fuel depots.
• Billions in economic losses.
• Saudi Arabia (2019):
• Houthi rebels’ drone attack on Abqaiq and Khurais facilities disrupted 5% of global oil supply in one day.
• Israel–Iran conflict:
• Iran targeted Haifa Refinery; Israel hit South Pars Gas Field.
• Iraq (July 2025):
• Explosive drones hit 3 oil fields in Kurdistan.

Cyberattacks on Energy Infrastructure

• Colonial Pipeline (US, 2021):
• Ransomware halted 45% of East Coast fuel supply.
• India (2020–2025):
• Over 320,000 cyberattacks on Indian refineries in 2022.
• 66% of cyberattacks in April 2025 were on energy sector after Pahalgam terror incident.
• Chinese cyber groups targeted Mumbai and Ladakh power grids.

 Statistical Insight Box

• Global: 67% of energy firms faced ransomware in 2024 (Sophos Report).
• India: 500+ drones intercepted (2023), 3.2 lakh refinery cyberattacks (2022).

4. India’s Energy Security Gaps

Overdependence on Imports

• 88% crude oil imports.
• 40% imports pass through Strait of Hormuz – a volatile chokepoint.

Weak Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)

• Current capacity: 5.33 million tons (9.5 days) of net imports.
• With PSU stocks: 74 days, still short of IEA’s 90-day standard.
• Locations (Vizag, Mangalore, Padur) are coastal & vulnerable to missile attacks.

Inadequate Defense Integration

• Operation Sindoor (May 2025) revealed:
• 600 drones/missiles intercepted, 40% targeting Gujarat & Rajasthan.
• Punjab border power shutdowns were needed to protect pipelines.

5. India’s Policy Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 15th August 2025 Announcement

• Anti-Drone & Anti-Missile Shield across India by 2035.
• Phase 1: Border regions, refineries, metros.
• Phase 2: Nationwide multi-layered air defense.

Needed Strategic Shifts

1. Decentralization: Micro-grids & renewable hubs in border regions.
2. Cyber Defense: AI-driven threat detection, Zero-Trust architecture, upgraded SCADA.
3. Resilient Storage: Expansion of SPR with inland facilities, private sector participation.
4. Military Integration: Permanent drone-defense, missile-shields, and armed patrols for energy hubs.

 

6. Policy Recommendations

 Establish National Energy Security Council integrating defense, energy, and cyber agencies.
 Increase SPR capacity to at least 90 days of net imports by 2030.
 Deploy anti-drone systems at all refineries, LNG terminals, and nuclear plants.
Mandate cyber resilience audits for all PSU and private energy firms.
Promote domestic defense R&D for drone-jammers and hypersonic interceptors.

7. Conclusion

Drones, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions have transformed energy infrastructure into frontline battlefields. Pakistan’s threats, coupled with global precedents, demonstrate that India’s energy sector is not just an economic asset—it is a national security target.

A multi-layered defense approach—spanning air-defense, cyber-resilience, strategic reserves, and decentralized energy grids—is essential. With proactive policy implementation, India can not only secure its strategic energy hubs but also set a global benchmark in energy-security preparedness for the 21st century.

 Key Statistics Summary Box

• 88% crude oil imports; 40% via Hormuz Strait.
• SPR: 5.33 MT (9.5 days) vs IEA norm: 90 days.
• 500+ drones intercepted in 2023 (10x growth since 2019).
• 3.2 lakh cyberattacks on refineries in 2022.
• 67% global energy firms hit by ransomware in 2024.