Answer: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy security is the continuous availability of energy sources at an affordable price. It is a broad term that connects a country's natural resource availability to its overall national security.

Indian government is focusing on implementation of "Energy Atmanirbharta" by 2040, which addresses our "strategic autonomy" while focusing on "energy security".

India’s pursuit of energy security

• Energy diplomacy
• Power transmission: India exports power under bilateral cooperation models to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. India is also a part of the SAARC energy agreement on electricity cooperation signed in 2014.

• Renewable energy transmission: India led International Solar Alliance and One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative to connect different regional grids to transfer renewable energy power.

• Nuclear energy cooperation: India has signed the Indo-US Nuclear deal and India-Japan Civil Nuclear Deal for enhanced cooperation in energy security and clean energy.

• Hydroelectric cooperation: India imports power from Kurichu, and Mangdechhu hydroelectric power plants in Bhutan. India is also involved in the projects of Nepal including the Mahakali Treaty and the Upper Karnali Project.

• Diverse Energy Mix:

• India is promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, with initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Panchamrit targets announced at COP26 of UNFCCC, Setting up of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks, Launch of Green Term Ahead Market etc.

• Infrastructure Development:

• Development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks across states to expand access to natural gas.
• Construction of strategic petroleum reserves in Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur to ensure a buffer against supply shocks.

•  Increasing India's Exploration & Production footprint

• India is mixing ethanol extracted from sugarcane, maize etc in petrol to cut overseas reliance. It will achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol by 2025 as per government data.
• India increased its crude oil suppliers from 27 countries in 2006 to 39 in 2022, with new suppliers like Columbia, Russia, Libya, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea etc.

Impediments faced by India

• Regional concentration: Heavy reliance on a single region for energy supply exposes India to geopolitical risks and supply disruptions.
• Over 60% of India's oil and gas imports are sourced from the Persian Gulf.
• Policy challenges: Coal mining in India suffers from delays due to regulatory and environmental clearances. 
• A recent study by think-tank, Climate Risk Horizons (CRH), found that the majority of projects under the Green Hydrogen mission have not disclosed their electricity sources.
• Technology Intensity: The energy sector's high dependence on technology hinders technological advancements with oil and gas development plans.
• Keeping pace with evolving technology like green hydrogen development, battery manufacturing etc  is difficult for developing countries.
• Energy Infrastructure Bottlenecks: There is a lack of competent labor for unconventional energy development. 
• India also lacks the necessary transportation infrastructure such as pipelines and transmission grids to make energy accessible.
• Coal Dependency: Overdependence on coal hampers India's progress towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
• Coal contributes nearly 50% to power generation, overshadowing renewable sources at 43%.
• Geopolitical Dynamics: Geopolitical tensions may impact energy partnerships and collaborations, affecting India's strategic objectives.
• For instance, attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabian refineries, Russia Ukraine war etc  cause energy supply disruptions and increased energy insecurity.

India's focus on increasing accessibility to clean energy and enhancing efficiency is evident through strategic initiatives like the India Energy Security Scenarios (IESS) tool. Moving forward, continued investment in infrastructure, particularly in refining and distribution of oil and gas; development of storage solutions by the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), will be crucial for achieving long-term energy security and sustainability goals.