Is India Building a Cleaner, Stronger, and Self-Reliant Energy Future?
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Synopsis
Explore how India's Petroleum Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, is leading the charge towards a sustainable energy future by opening up offshore regions for exploration and diversifying crude imports. Discover the impact of these strategies on India's energy security and affordability.
Key Takeaways
- 99% of offshore areas opened for exploration.
- Crude import basket expanded to over 40 countries.
- Focus on innovation and domestic exploration.
- Green Hydrogen Mission signifies a commitment to clean energy.
- India-Russia oil trade has stabilized global prices.
New Delhi, Oct 19 (NationPress) Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Sunday that the government has made 99 percent of India’s offshore territories available for oil and gas exploration and expanded the crude import portfolio to over 40 nations from a previous 27. This is part of a four-pronged strategy aimed at establishing a future where energy is secure, affordable, and sustainable.
India’s energy evolution is founded on four robust pillars: diversification of crude imports, fostering innovation, boosting domestic oil and gas exploration, and ensuring a clean transition, as evidenced by the Green Hydrogen Mission and the 10.60 crore Ujjwala families benefiting from the Prime Minister’s subsidized LPG initiative, which replaces firewood and dung cakes with cleaner cooking fuel.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is constructing a cleaner, stronger, and self-sufficient energy future, the minister stated in a post on X.
On Thursday, the government indicated that its oil and gas import policies are entirely aligned with the interests of the Indian consumer amidst a fluctuating global energy market.
This announcement followed U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that Prime Minister Modi assured him of India's intention to reduce Russian crude oil purchases.
India is a major oil and gas importer, and our primary focus has been on protecting the interests of Indian consumers in this unpredictable energy landscape. Our import strategies aim to ensure stable energy prices and reliable supplies, while also diversifying our energy sources to meet market demands,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.
“In terms of U.S. relations, we have long sought to enhance our energy procurement, and discussions to deepen energy cooperation with India are ongoing,” he added.
Puri emphasized that India has effectively diversified its oil sourcing on the global stage.
India’s purchases of oil from Moscow have been crucial in stabilizing global prices, he indicated.
Without the India-Russia oil trade, crude oil prices could have surged to $130 per barrel at the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022.
Before the conflict, India sourced only 0.2 percent of its crude imports from Russia; this figure has now escalated to nearly 40 percent.
Point of View
It’s clear that India is strategically positioning itself in the global energy market. The government's proactive approach to diversifying energy sources and prioritizing consumer interests reflects an understanding of current challenges. By embracing sustainable practices, India is not only securing its energy future but also setting a benchmark for responsible energy policies.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of India’s offshore areas are now open for exploration?
99 percent of India’s offshore areas have been opened for oil and gas exploration.
How many countries is India now importing crude oil from?
India has expanded its crude import basket to over 40 countries, up from 27.
What are the four pillars of India’s energy strategy?
The four pillars include diversification of crude imports, innovation, increased domestic exploration of oil and gas, and a clean energy transition.
How has India's oil purchase from Russia changed?
Before the Ukraine war, India sourced only 0.2 percent of its crude from Russia; this has increased to nearly 40 percent.
What is the significance of the Green Hydrogen Mission?
The Green Hydrogen Mission is part of India's clean transition strategy, promoting sustainable energy solutions.
