India’s plan to build an undersea oil pipeline linking the United Arab Emirates with India is facing major technical and commercial challenges, according to shipping broker Alibra Shipping.

The proposed pipeline is designed to provide India with an alternative route for importing crude oil without relying heavily on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

The pipeline would run beneath the Arabian Sea between the UAE and India. If developed, it could help reduce India’s exposure to disruptions in the strait and strengthen the country’s energy security.

However, Alibra Shipping said the project could face significant obstacles, particularly because of the complexity and cost of constructing long-distance subsea infrastructure.

The proposal comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, which have increased concerns over the security of shipping and energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

India is one of the world’s major crude oil importers and relies heavily on overseas supplies to meet domestic demand. An alternative supply route could therefore provide greater flexibility if maritime traffic through the strait is disrupted.

Despite its potential benefits, the pipeline would require substantial investment, extensive engineering work and regulatory approvals before construction could begin.

The project highlights growing efforts by energy-importing countries to develop alternative supply routes and reduce their vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions affecting key oil shipping corridors.