The electorate in Australia might end up creating energy “problems” for the key nations of the world; particularly India which imports nearly half of its coal from the country, apart from fulfilling its other energy needs. The voters in the land of kangaroos have voted a new man to power who has promised to have a futuristic view and approach, particularly towards the issue of climate change. The Australians now have Labour Party’s Anthony Albanese as their new Prime Minister which could turn out to be bad news for India, keeping in view the promises the party has made to people, especially concerning the climate action.
As the blackouts and undue power cuts are witnessed across the country, it underlines that a country like India is greatly dependent in terms of energy needs on Australia, and in case the climate-friendly country ends up squeezing the exports, what is India going to do? How is it supposed to handle the situation that might end up shutting its industries and make the homes reel in the dark?
While that is an important issue that needs to be deliberated by the Government, there are also chances of bad ties emerging between the two countries if there are any violations of the recently signed free trade agreement. However, what needs to be understood here is that the new Government in Australia would do everything to go as per the wishes and aspirations of its people who have made it clear that they worry about climate change and want their newly elected Government to have a futuristic approach in this regard. It is that radical approach that might end up causing a dent in the Indo-Australian ties apart from being a little challenging for India which has to somehow fulfill its energy needs.
For sure, Albanese will strive hard to pitch for the climate-friendly policies for the betterment of his country as well as his people, but there is a matter that should worry India and that is: how to fulfill the local energy needs if the coal supply decreases with time from Australia? Is there any plan to deal with the situation? Well, that is the question which has got no meaning to be asked because we have seen already that there is no alternative. We saw coal reserves depleting and the Government leaving its people to fend for themselves with no action.
Also, there is one great lesson that the people of Australia have got to teach to the people who live in the second largest country on the face of the earth in terms of population and vote parties in and out of power based on how divisive they are. If they kick the minorities out, they are brought up and made to rule the country while those talking of inclusiveness do not even get the due recognition. The people of Australia have shown to the world that they are voting to secure their future, while others, with no vision, only care for their present.
