Tariffs and Bretton Woods: India's Energy Trap

This study aims to examine the influence of Bretton Woods institutions and global tariff policies on India's energy security. This paper critically examines how the Bretton Woods institutions, namely the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, along with global tariff policies have shaped India’s energy vulnerability in the post-2020 era. Originally designed to foster global economic stability, these institutions have increasingly reinforced Western dominance, imposing structural adjustment programs and trade liberalization measures that undermine the autonomy of emerging economies. The paper analyzes tariff escalation, institutional frameworks, and their implications for India's energy resilience. Methodology: A qualitative systematic review of 50 scholarly articles, government reports, and trade data from 2020-2025 was chosen for the study. Results: The study indicates that rising tariffs and structural adjustment programs have deepened India's dependency on imported energy resources, creating an 'energy trap'. Implications: The findings underscore the need for policy reforms, diversification of energy sources, and rethinking global governance to empower emerging economies.