How Can India’s Geoscientists Accelerate the Search for Oil and Gas?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal call to action, India’s government urges geoscientists to innovate and expedite oil and gas exploration efforts. With rising energy demands, the focus shifts to advanced technologies and collaborative approaches to secure the nation's energy future.
Key Takeaways
- India’s geoscientists are urged to innovate.
- Alignment with the National Deepwater Mission is essential.
- Technological advancements will drive exploration success.
- Collaboration between sectors is key.
- Focus on ultra-deepwater regions is critical.
Jaipur, Oct 26 (NationPress) The Government has called upon India’s geoscientific experts to implement bold, time-sensitive exploration methods that align with the National Deepwater Mission, aimed at achieving energy self-sufficiency for the nation.
During his speech at the opening session of the 15th Biennial International Conference and Exposition of the Society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG-India) 2025 held here on Sunday, Petroleum Secretary Pankaj Jain urged the scientific community to blend scientific rigor with commercial acumen, stressing that India can no longer rely on slow, incremental advancements.
He underlined the need for urgency, innovation, and national responsibility in the country’s exploration initiatives.
"Sooner than we think, we might find ourselves in a scenario where alternative energy sources will play a more crucial role in fulfilling our demand, compared to fossil fuels, or even how we utilize fossil fuels will evolve. Thus, the timing of peak oil production is less significant than our pursuit of major discoveries. We no longer possess the luxury we had a century or more ago," stated Jain.
The conference, themed ‘Rock to Cloud: Geo-Exploration Empowering Energy Evolution’, was inaugurated by Jain at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC). The event saw attendance from key figures such as Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and CEO of ONGC and Chief Patron of SPG-India; Ranjit Rath, CMD of Oil India Ltd; O.P. Sinha, Director (Exploration) of ONGC and Patron of SPG-India; and Ranbir Singh, President of SPG-India.
ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh reiterated ONGC's dedication to enhancing India’s deepwater exploration efforts, highlighting that breakthroughs in seismic imaging, AI-driven analysis, and data analytics will propel future discovery success.
In his address, Oil India CMD Ranjit Rath pointed out that India has become one of the most appealing destinations for exploration, bolstered by progressive reforms like the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), and Offshore Bidding Rounds.
He urged India’s geoscientific community to maintain a relentless pursuit of exploration, particularly in ultra-deepwater regions.
In his welcome speech, O.P. Sinha emphasized the importance of the “Rock to Cloud” theme as representative of India's transition towards data-driven, technology-focused exploration. He stressed the necessity for collaboration among academia, industry, and government to speed up discoveries and optimize the use of India's vast sedimentary basins.
The SPG 2025 Exposition, showcasing leading-edge technologies and solutions from global leaders in geoscience and energy exploration, was inaugurated by ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh.
This three-day event gathers prominent geoscientists, policymakers, researchers, and energy experts from around the globe to discuss the evolving landscape of oil and gas exploration, technological innovations, and sustainable energy solutions.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the government’s proactive stance toward enhancing India’s energy security. The call for bold exploration efforts is not just timely but essential for national growth. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, we can ensure that India remains at the forefront of energy innovation.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Deepwater Mission?
The National Deepwater Mission is an initiative aimed at boosting India's exploration and production of oil and natural gas in deepwater areas, enhancing the country's energy self-reliance.
Why is there a need for urgency in exploration?
The urgency is driven by the increasing energy demands and the need for India to transition towards sustainable energy solutions while maximizing its natural resource potential.
What role does technology play in oil exploration?
Technology is crucial in modern oil exploration, with advancements in seismic imaging, AI-driven analysis, and data analytics enabling more accurate and efficient exploration efforts.
How can collaboration enhance exploration efforts?
Collaboration between academia, industry, and government can accelerate technological innovations, optimize resource utilization, and lead to more significant discoveries in oil and gas.
What are the key reforms supporting exploration in India?
Reforms such as the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) and Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) are designed to attract investment and enhance exploration activities in India.
