Hardeep Puri briefs India's new Qatar envoy on LNG, energy security
Synopsis
India's LNG imports have jumped 24% to $5.6 billion in just four months — and the Strait of Hormuz crisis is forcing a historic pivot in sourcing. With a 20-year, 7.5-million-tonne Qatar deal locked in from 2028, and crude now flowing from 41 countries, India's energy diplomacy is quietly undergoing its most significant structural shift in decades.
Key Takeaways
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met India's new Qatar Ambassador Dr.
Srikar Reddy on 31 August to discuss bilateral energy cooperation.
India and QatarEnergy have a 20-year LNG deal securing 7.5 million tonnes annually from 2028 to 2048 via Petronet LNG .
India's LNG imports surged 24 per cent to $5.6 billion during April–July of the current financial year.
Disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz have driven a sharp increase in LNG and LPG purchases from the United States .
India has expanded LNG sourcing from 6 to 15 countries and crude oil imports from 27 to 41 countries .
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on 31 August met Dr. K. Srikar Reddy, India's newly appointed Ambassador to Qatar, to explore ways of deepening bilateral energy ties between the two nations. The meeting underscores New Delhi's strategic focus on long-term energy security as India diversifies supply chains amid ongoing West Asia tensions.
Puri's Ties With the New Envoy
Minister Puri noted a prior working relationship with the new ambassador, having collaborated with him during his tenure at the Ministry of Commerce between 2019 and 2021. In a post on X, Puri described the meeting as an opportunity to align on priorities as Reddy assumes his new diplomatic role in Doha.
'India and Qatar share a warm and enduring partnership, with energy cooperation as one of its key pillars,' Puri said, referencing his visit to Doha in April 2026, during which he held discussions with Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar's Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, on strengthening the strategic partnership.
The Landmark 20-Year LNG Deal
At the centre of the India-Qatar energy relationship is a 20-year LNG agreement between Petronet LNG and QatarEnergy, which secures 7.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually from 2028 to 2048. Puri described the deal as a landmark achievement and a critical pillar of India's long-term energy security strategy.
LNG Imports Surge 24% Amid West Asia Crisis
India's LNG imports rose sharply by 24 per cent to $5.6 billion during April–July of the current financial year, up from $4.5 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to official figures. In July alone, LNG imports climbed 9.1 per cent to $1.2 billion from $1.1 billion in July 2025, with import volumes reaching 2,915 mmscm — a 1.5 per cent increase from 2,872 mmscm in the year-ago month.
The choking of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted Gulf supplies, pushing India to sharply increase purchases of LNG and LPG from the United States. This comes amid a broader recalibration of India's energy sourcing strategy.
India's Energy Diversification Drive
India has expanded its LNG sourcing network from 6 countries to 15 countries to guard against supply chain disruptions. Crude oil imports have been similarly broadened, with shipments now arriving from 41 countries compared with 27 previously.
'This diversification has reduced dependence on any particular country, region or transit route and enhanced India's ability to manage supply disruptions and market volatility,' a senior official said. The trend signals a structural shift in how India manages energy risk — moving from concentration to resilience. With the Qatar envoy now in place and the long-term LNG deal on the horizon, New Delhi's energy diplomacy is set to intensify.
Point of View
Especially if the Strait of Hormuz situation worsens before 2028 deliveries begin.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Hardeep Puri discuss with India's new Qatar Ambassador?
Minister Puri met Ambassador Dr. K. Srikar Reddy on 31 August to discuss strengthening bilateral energy relations between India and Qatar. Key topics included the long-term LNG agreement and India's broader energy security strategy.
What is the India-Qatar LNG deal?
It is a 20-year agreement between Petronet LNG and QatarEnergy under which India will receive 7.5 million tonnes of LNG annually from 2028 to 2048. The deal is considered a cornerstone of India's long-term energy security.
Why have India's LNG imports increased so sharply?
India's LNG imports rose 24 per cent to $5.6 billion during April–July of the current financial year, driven partly by disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz that have curtailed Gulf supplies. India has compensated by ramping up purchases from the United States.
How has India diversified its energy supply sources?
India has expanded its LNG sourcing from 6 to 15 countries and broadened crude oil imports from 27 to 41 countries. A senior official said this reduces dependence on any single country, region, or transit route.
Who is Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi?
Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi is Qatar's Minister of State for Energy Affairs and the President and CEO of QatarEnergy. Minister Puri held discussions with him during a visit to Doha in April 2026 on strengthening the India-Qatar energy partnership.
