India’s dynamic economic growth resulted in the demand for energy having doubled over a span of two decades. In the 21st century India rose to the position of fourth major importer of oil in the world. Ensuring the supply of oil is the prerequisite for maintaining the current pace of economic growth. Alongside increasing dependence on external sources of energy, there emerged concerns about energy security. The Indian government undertook numerous actions, including diplomatic ones, to ensure the supply of oil to India as well as to facilitate Indian enterprises’ investments in oil production abroad. The aim of this article is to analyse and assess India’s energy diplomacy in the 21st century. The author argues that while Indian energy diplomacy is overshadowed by the Chinese one, it still significantly albeit indirectly contributes to improving India’s energy security. India remains a part of the global oil market, and the development of this market is in its best interest