India eyes oil exploration expansion after Middle East war shortages

India is intensifying its domestic crude oil exploration efforts in response to significant energy supply disruptions experienced during the recent Middle East conflict. As a nation heavily reliant on imports for its energy needs, India, the world's third-largest oil importer, faced considerable challenges due to restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

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We are currently in the process… to bid out about 250,000 square kilometres (96,500 square miles) of unexplored area.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri announced that India is preparing to auction exploration rights for about 250,000 square kilometers of previously unexplored areas. This initiative aims to enhance domestic energy production, which currently meets only about 10 percent of the country's crude oil requirements.

Despite international criticism, particularly from the United States and Europe, regarding its purchases of Russian oil, India maintains a pragmatic stance. Puri emphasized that the country prioritizes its energy needs over "ideological considerations," diversifying its crude suppliers from 27 to 41 countries.

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ocean of energy opportunities

Puri highlighted the "ocean of energy opportunities" off India's Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, noting the region's geological similarity to hydrocarbon-rich basins in Southeast Asia. The government is collaborating with international deepwater exploration experts to exploit these reserves. This push for energy independence predates the recent Middle East war, reflecting a long-term strategic objective for India.

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pragmatic approach