Balancing Energy Security and Sustainability: The Rationale Behind India’s Continued Dependence on Coal

India's reliance on coal for energy security presents a complex challenge to balancing economic growth, energy access, and environmental sustainability. This study examines India's coal dependence, the socioeconomic implications of a rapid coal phase-out, and potential strategies for a sustainable energy transition. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study analysed coal production and employment trends using data from Coal India Limited (CIL) and evaluated international coal phase-out experiences. The findings reveal that despite the growth of renewables, India's coal production reached a record high of 997.8 million tonnes in 2023-24, driven by rising energy demand and import substitution policies. However, CIL's workforce composition has shifted, with a decline in permanent employees and an increase in contractual workers, raising concerns about job security and labor rights. A comparative analysis of coal phase-out strategies in Germany, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, the United States, and China highlighted the significance of institutional capacity, policy coherence, and context-specific transition mechanisms. The study concludes that India's energy transition requires a balanced and gradual approach that prioritizes energy access, economic stability, and social equity. Policy recommendations include strengthening the renewable energy infrastructure, developing regional transition plans, and ensuring social protection for coal-dependent communities. Future research should explore the feasibility of clean coal technologies and the role of international climate finance in supporting India's transition to sustainable energy.