India, Feb. 3 -- As India's energy demand is set to surge, experts emphasise energy efficiency as crucial for climate action, economic competitiveness, and national security.

With India remaining a net energy importer, efficiency gains are vital to mitigate global market volatility.

The focus is on avoiding high-consumption pathways and achieving growth with reduced energy use.

As India's energy demand is projected to grow 2.5 times over the next two decades, policymakers and experts are increasingly positioning energy efficiency as the country's "first fuel" - critical not only for climate action, but also for national security and economic competitiveness.

India will remain a net importer of energy for the foreseeable future, making...