India has made a significant discovery in the oil sector. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri announced that Indian oil companies have found light crude oil in an onshore block in Abu Dhabi. This discovery was made by Urja Bharat PTE Ltd, a joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat PetroResources Ltd.
The discovery in the Shilaif play and the Habshan reservoir is a big step for India’s energy ambitions. According to Puri, this marks a milestone in the country’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency. “We are excited to explore further hydrocarbon potential in this area,” he stated.
This achievement highlights the commitment and skill of the teams involved. It’s not just about finding oil; it’s also about strengthening India’s energy security through global partnerships. In fact, India is stepping up its domestic exploration efforts as well. Seven sedimentary basins are currently being studied using advanced technology.
The Mission Anveshan program aims to map oil and gas reserves across 20,000 kilometers. So far, more than 8,000 kilometers have been surveyed. Additionally, a vast offshore area of 1 million square kilometers is now open for exploration, with most restricted zones cleared for access.
Interest in India’s oil and gas blocks is high, both domestically and globally. The Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) has attracted substantial attention, with expectations that the upcoming Round X will set new standards for investment and participation. Puri noted that 25 blocks are already marked under OALP-X, and there have been 14 new oil and gas discoveries in India recently.
As the country pushes forward, this discovery in Abu Dhabi symbolizes more than just oil—it reflects a broader strategy aimed at energy independence and strengthening international ties.
