Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said India must accelerate its transition to alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen and ethanol, to reduce its dependence on costly fossil fuel imports, strengthen energy security, create jobs and cut pollution.He also challenged critics of the E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended) petrol mandate to point out even one vehicle that had experienced issues due to the fuel blend, amid concerns over reduced fuel efficiency and criticism of the policy.Addressing the importance of energy self-reliance, Gadkari said India spends nearly Rs 23 lakh crore annually on importing fossil fuels, with around 87 per cent of its crude oil and energy requirements being met through imports. He said the recent conflict in West Asia had once again exposed the risks associated with excessive dependence on foreign energy supplies, affecting global oil and gas markets.The minister was speaking at the Vikshit Bharat Conclave & Maharashtra Ke Gaurav Coffee Table launch here.Questioning whether India should continue spending such a massive amount on fuel imports, Gadkari said the money could instead be invested within the country to generate employment opportunities for young people, increase farmers’ incomes, strengthen the domestic economy, and create a cleaner environment.Emphasising the government’s focus on alternative fuels, the minister said hydrogen would play a crucial role in India’s future energy landscape. He said the government had launched two hydrogen-powered trucks — one based on hydrogen fuel cell technology and another powered by a hydrogen internal combustion engine, replacing conventional diesel or petrol.He further said hydrogen-powered buses were also being introduced, with a pilot project underway in Nagpur where green hydrogen would be produced locally, supplied to buses, and used for public transport operations.