NewKerala.com

India's Energy Revolution: How 99% Offshore Exploration Boosts Self-Reliance

India is rapidly transforming its energy landscape through strategic diversification and innovation. The government has dramatically expanded offshore exploration areas while broadening international crude sourcing partnerships. Clean energy initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Mission and Ujjwala scheme are creating sustainable alternatives for millions. This comprehensive approach ensures India's energy future remains secure, affordable, and environmentally conscious.

Key Points: Hardeep Puri Details India's Four-Pillar Energy Security Strategy

  • Government opens 99% of India's offshore area for oil and gas exploration
  • Diversified crude imports from 27 to over 40 countries worldwide
  • Green Hydrogen Mission and Ujjwala scheme driving clean energy transition
  • India-Russia oil trade prevented global crude prices hitting $130 per barrel
3 min read

India building cleaner, stronger, and self-reliant energy future: Hardeep Puri

India opens 99% offshore area for oil exploration, diversifies crude imports to 40+ countries, and accelerates clean energy transition under Modi's leadership.

"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Bharat is building a cleaner, stronger and self-sufficient energy future - Hardeep Singh Puri"

New Delhi, Oct 19

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Sunday that the government has opened up 99 per cent of India’s offshore area for oil & gas exploration and widened the import basket of crude to over 40 countries from 27 earlier, as part of a four-pronged approach that is shaping "a future where energy is secure, affordable & sustainable".

New Delhi, Oct 19 (IANS) Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Sunday that the government has opened up 99 per cent of India’s offshore area for oil & gas exploration and widened the import basket of crude to over 40 countries from 27 earlier, as part of a four-pronged approach that is shaping "a future where energy is secure, affordable & sustainable". India’s energy journey stands on "four strong pillars" which include diversification of crude imports, innovation, increase in domestic exploration of oil & gas, and a clean transition reflected in the Green Hydrogen Mission and 10.60 crore Ujjwala families who have benefited under the PM’s scheme for subsidised LPG as clean cooking fuel for the poor to replace firewood and dung cakes.

"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Bharat is building a cleaner, stronger and self-sufficient energy future," the minister said in a post on X.

The Government had said on Thursday that its import policy for oil and gas is guided entirely by the interests of the Indian consumer amid a volatile global energy market.

The statement was issued hours after US President Donald Trump said in Washington that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "assured him that India will reduce purchases of Russian crude oil".

"India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective. Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of our energy policy. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions," Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said.

"Where the US is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade. The current administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing," he added.

Puri had earlier pointed out that India has diversified its sources for buying oil in the global market.

India’s oil purchases from Moscow had played an important role in stabilising prices in the global market, he said.

He said crude oil prices could have skyrocketed to $130 per barrel in the absence of the India-Russia oil trade, when the Ukraine war began in 2022.

Prior to the Russia-Ukraine war, India used to buy a mere 0.2 per cent of its crude imports’ requirement from Moscow. This, today, stands close to 40 per cent.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the diversification efforts, I'm concerned about the environmental impact of opening up 99% of offshore areas. We need to ensure proper environmental safeguards are in place. The Green Hydrogen Mission is a step in the right direction though!
A
Aditya G
The Russia oil deal was a masterstroke! Saved us billions in foreign exchange and kept petrol prices somewhat stable. Smart diplomacy by our government 👏 Hope we continue to prioritize Indian interests over external pressure.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in India, I'm impressed by the scale of energy transformation. The Ujjwala scheme reaching 10.6 crore families is remarkable. Clean cooking fuel makes such a difference to women's health and quality of life.
K
Karthik V
Good to see focus on both traditional and renewable energy. We need this balanced approach - can't abandon oil & gas overnight but must invest heavily in green alternatives. The four-pillar strategy makes sense for a developing economy like ours.
M
Michael C
The numbers speak for themselves - from 0.2% to 40% Russian oil imports shows pragmatic policy making. In global energy markets, you have to be flexible and put your country's interests first. Well done India!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50