India Aims to Discover Guyana-Sized Oilfields in Andaman Sea: Hardeep Singh Puri
Photo Credit: IANS
New Delhi, July 17 (The Trending People) – India is poised for a major leap in its energy exploration journey, with Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announcing a fresh round of hydrocarbon exploration under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Round-10. Speaking at the high-profile ‘Urja Varta 2025’, the minister projected optimism about uncovering large-scale oilfields, especially in the Andaman Sea, comparable to the vast reserves discovered in Guyana.
Over 2 Lakh Sq Km to be Explored Under OALP Round-10
Announcing the latest round of oil and gas block offerings, Puri said, “We will drill and explore for more hydrocarbons in an area of more than 2,00,000 square kilometres under OALP Round-10. Our target is to increase India’s total exploration acreage to 0.5 million sq km by 2025 and 1.0 million sq km by 2030.”
Puri expressed high expectations from the Andaman Sea basin, a relatively untapped frontier. “I am positive we will find several fields of the size of Guyana, particularly in the Andaman Sea,” he stated, underscoring India’s ambition to emerge as a global energy exploration hub.
India’s Strategy: Data-Driven, Investor-Friendly Energy Exploration
At the heart of India’s hydrocarbon push lies a combination of financial incentives, improved data access, regulatory reforms, and a focus on ease of doing business. The government, Puri said, is working on “areas of good quality data availability for explorers, financial incentives, stable regulatory framework, derisking investments, and ease of doing business to make India the next global frontier for oil and gas E&P (exploration and production).”
This approach is intended to attract both domestic and global investors into India's energy sector, especially in previously inaccessible or unexplored regions.
Fireside Chat Highlights: ‘Manch Mantri Ka’ at Urja Varta 2025
During a special session titled ‘Manch Mantri Ka’, Puri shared insights with key energy sector stakeholders, petroleum ministry officials, and thought leaders from across the country. Calling it an “invigorating conversation,” the minister emphasized India’s balanced and strategic approach to energy planning despite ongoing global tensions.
“Despite geopolitical tensions in several parts of the world, India has successfully navigated the trilemma of energy availability, affordability and sustainability,” he said.
Expanding Energy Access and Imports
Puri reaffirmed that ensuring energy security for Indian citizens remains a top priority for the Modi government. In this pursuit, India has diversified its oil and gas import sources, making the national energy basket more resilient to global shocks.
Domestic Reforms Fueling Hydrocarbon Push
The minister highlighted major structural reforms, including the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and key amendments to the Oilfields Regulation and Development (ORD) Act. These changes have already unlocked nearly one million sq km of previously ‘No Go’ areas for exploration and development.
"India is in the midst of unprecedented efforts to boost domestic hydrocarbons production by exploring newer areas," he told the gathering.
Urja Varta 2025: A Platform for Energy Innovation and Collaboration
The Urja Varta 2025 conference emerged as a vibrant platform uniting energy ministers from various states, senior government officials, and industry leaders from the oil, gas, and green energy sectors.
With its forward-looking agenda, the event seeks to shape the future of India’s energy ecosystem, focusing not just on hydrocarbons, but also on sustainability, innovation, and green transition under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Final Thoughts by The Trending People
The exploration targets set under OALP Round-10 are a clear indication of India's determination to boost self-reliance in energy. With vast unexplored areas like the Andaman Sea being opened up and a policy environment designed to encourage investment, India is preparing to position itself as a key player in the global energy market.
Minister Puri’s vision aligns with the broader objective of making India energy-secure, economically resilient, and a pioneer in sustainable energy solutions. If Guyana-sized discoveries do materialize in the Andaman basin, it could transform India’s energy landscape for decades to come.