India a decisive driver of global energy demand, says UAE Minister

India has emerged as a decisive driver of global energy demand, with its fast-growing economy set to propel consumption across multiple sectors, from aviation to data centres, UAE Minister for Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the India Energy Week, Al Jaber said India’s economic expansion and rapid urbanisation are reshaping global energy markets and positioning the country as a key force in future demand growth.

“India does not progress in increments, it goes for quantum leaps,” he said, highlighting the sharp rise in energy consumption driven by expanding air travel, digital infrastructure, manufacturing and urban development.

He noted that India’s increasing number of airports, airlines and passengers will significantly boost aviation fuel demand, while the rapid growth of data centres and digital services will place new demands on electricity and clean energy supply.

Al Jaber said India’s scale and speed of development make it central to global energy planning, adding that partnerships between energy producers and large consumers like India will be critical to ensuring energy security and a smooth transition to cleaner fuels.

He also praised India’s efforts to balance economic growth with sustainability, pointing to its investments in renewables, green hydrogen and energy efficiency.

India Energy Week has brought together global policymakers, industry leaders and energy companies to discuss energy security, transition strategies and future demand trends, with India’s role in the global energy landscape emerging as a central theme.