Context
The International Energy Agency (IEA), founded in 1974 after the 1973 oil crisis, has evolved from oil security to a broad agenda covering energy security, economic development, clean energy transition, and climate goals. India, as an Association Country since 2017, collaborates actively but is not a full member.
About the IEA
- Established: 1974, within the framework of OECD.
- Headquarters: Paris, France.
- Members: 31 (mostly OECD nations like the US, UK, Japan, Germany, France).
- Executive Director: Fatih Birol (since 2015).
- India’s Status: Association country (not a full member).
Functions of the IEA
- Energy Security
- Members hold 90 days’ worth of net oil imports as strategic reserves.
- Coordinates collective response to oil supply disruptions.
- Data & Analysis
- Publishes reports: World Energy Outlook (WEO), Global Energy Review.
- Collects energy statistics (oil, gas, coal, electricity, renewables).
- Policy Guidance
- Advises governments on sustainable, affordable, reliable energy policies.
- Provides models for energy transitions and decarbonisation pathways.
- Climate & Clean Energy
- Focuses on renewables, hydrogen, carbon capture, electrification.
- Monitors progress towards Net Zero by 2050.
India and the IEA
- Association Country since 2017.
- Collaborates in:
- Energy security & oil reserves.
- Renewable energy & grid management.
- Energy transition pathways & climate policies.
- India’s push: Calls for reform of IEA to reflect the interests of emerging economies & Global South.
Mains Practice Question
“The International Energy Agency has evolved from a post-oil crisis response body into a central pillar of global energy governance. Critically examine its role in global energy transition, with special reference to India’s interests.” (GS-II / GS-III)