India and Australia's joint statement on energy security highlights coal, yet Australia's metallurgical coal exports are declining due to costs and policy. India's expanding steel sector faces future supply challenges. Initially, India may source met coal redirected from China (Russia, Canada). Beyond 2035, global supply is highly uncertain. The author emphasizes India's vital opportunity to embrace coal-free steelmaking using scrap and green hydrogen-powered direct reduced iron (DRI). This transition will significantly boost India's energy security and resilience, crucial amid escalating global fossil fuel crises.