Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri underscored India’s commitment to strengthening energy partnerships and securing its growing energy needs.
Minister Puri held crucial bilateral and business meetings, discussing avenues for collaboration across the hydrocarbon value chain with global energy leaders at the 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna.
Key discussions included strengthening ties with Kuwaiti Minister of Oil and Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, H.E. Tareq Sulaiman Al-Roumi, given Kuwait’s significant role as an energy supplier to India.
A follow-up meeting with Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources H.E. Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri focused on expanding hydrocarbon trade, building on their previous engagement in Davos.
Discussions with Shell CEO Wael Sawan centered on India’s ambitious exploration and production (E&P) plans, which include exploring 2.5 lakh square kilometers in new offshore and onshore areas.
Minister Puri highlighted that India’s push to increase natural gas in its energy mix from 6% to 15% offers “significant opportunities for advanced technological partnerships” and that Shell’s “cutting-edge technologies” could greatly benefit India’s E&P drive.
Meeting OPEC Secretary General H.E. Haitham Al Ghais, he said, “Delighted to have an engaging discussion with my dear friend & Secretary General OPEC HE Haitham Al Ghais. We discussed India’s strong partnership with OPEC and ways to ensure that oil markets remain balanced and predictable to support smooth global transition into green and alternative energies, particularly in light of recent geopolitical challenges.”
In talks with BP CEO Murray Auchincloss, Puri said that their discussions were engaging and insightful, focusing on strengthening BP’s involvement in India’s upstream and downstream energy sectors, including participation in OALP
Round 10.
The minister also met Vitol Group CEO Russel Hardy to discuss global energy market challenges and collaboration opportunities. He said that India’s “unprecedented thrust towards expanding and enhancing energy infrastructure” is creating a global buzz.
