india is gearing up for a major shift in how its kitchens function—and on paper, it sounds like a bold, forward-thinking move. The government is pushing to scale up production of induction heaters and compatible cooking vessels, aiming to reduce reliance on LPG. But scratch the surface, and the story gets far more complicated. Because while the flame may disappear from your stove, dependence isn’t going anywhere—it’s just changing form.
1. The Big Push Away From LPG
The plan is simple: promote induction cooking as a cleaner, more efficient alternative to LPG. The government is preparing to accelerate manufacturing to make induction cooktops and vessels more accessible and widely used. It’s positioned as a step toward energy efficiency and reduced import bills.
2. The Hidden Core: Not Truly “Made in India.”
Here’s where things get interesting. While indian companies assemble induction cooktops, the most critical component—the high-speed power-switching chip—is almost entirely imported. These chips, which generate the magnetic field required for cooking, come primarily from global giants like Infineon in germany and Mitsubishi in Japan. Without them, the entire system simply doesn’t work.
3. Even the Surface Isn’t Local
The sleek ceramic glass that defines induction cooktops? That’s not homegrown either. It’s sourced from companies like Schott in germany or EuroKera, which operates out of france and China. So while the final product may carry a “Made in India” tag, its backbone is undeniably global.
4. The Energy Paradox
And then comes the biggest twist. The industries producing these critical components rely heavily on LNG—liquefied natural gas. Much of this energy supply flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most geopolitically sensitive chokepoints. So, in trying to move away from LPG, india may remain tied to the same global energy vulnerabilities, just through a different route.
5. Reinvention or Repackaging?
This isn’t to say the induction push lacks merit—it’s a necessary evolution. But it’s also a reminder that true self-reliance is complex. Replacing LPG with induction isn’t a clean break; it’s a layered transition, filled with trade-offs, dependencies, and strategic questions india will have to confront sooner rather than later.
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