India launches coal‑gasification program to curb energy imports

The Indian government has approved a ₹37,500 crore coal‑gasification scheme aimed at reducing the country's reliance on imported natural gas and related industrial inputs. The plan seeks to boost the National Coal Gasification Mission, targeting the gasification of 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 and encouraging about 75 million tonnes of capacity through competitive bidding. Officials estimate the initiative could mobilise ₹2.5‑3 lakh crore of investment, create roughly 50,000 jobs and help substitute LNG, ammonia, methanol and other feedstocks with domestically produced syngas.

A Bank of Baroda report released in the same period shows a concurrent decline in import dependence across several key manufacturing sectors. Import‑to‑sales ratios fell to 13.7 % in electricals (from 22.7 % in FY19) and to 22.5 % in chemicals, with notable drops in cable, electronic components and carbon black. Analysts attribute the trend to domestic production push under policies such as Make in India, the Semiconductor Mission and expanded electronics and chemical parks. Together, the policy thrust aims to shield the economy from global supply shocks and enhance industrial self‑reliance.