(CNN) -- For incoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, securing India's energy needs over the next decade ranks among his greatest challenges and one that will likely see him both compete and cooperate with China, the United States and Russia. These three are the world's biggest energy consumers, with India in fourth spot. For all of them, energy security is a constant goal, driving their search for new resources, new technology and new investment opportunities around the globe. The U.S. has its shale bonanza, while China has led the way with an aggressive array of international deals, covering everything from shale gas in North America, pipelines across Myanmar, stakes in Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and Caspian Sea oil and gas.
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How India's new PM handles the nation's energy may define his administration, says Hiscock
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Modi is likely to compete and cooperate with other major energy consumers
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India is expected to overtake China as the main source of growth in global energy demand
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Developing India's domestic supply capacity is a priority for the prime minister
For its part, China says it is willing to make joint efforts with the new Indian government and "bring the @placeholder-India strategic partnership to a new height."