Puri outlines India's energy resilience

Published 7 August 2026 · local

India has significantly strengthened its energy security by diversifying crude oil supplies, expanding strategic infrastructure and investing in domestic exploration, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday, asserting that the country is better equipped to deal with geopolitical disruptions than ever before.Speaking at the CII International Energy Conference and Exhibition in New Delhi, Puri said the evolving global energy landscape underscores the need for a "secure, smart and sustainable" energy order, while expressing hope for an early resolution of ongoing geopolitical conflicts that continue to threaten supply chains.Also read: India cuts energy import dependence to 42%, oil imports still meet 90% of demand: CII-EYRecalling the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year, Puri described it as a "watershed moment" for global energy markets.

Unlike earlier assumptions that the strategic shipping route would never actually be shut, the events demonstrated the vulnerability of global oil trade, he said.Despite the disruption, India was able to shield consumers from major external shocks, backed by diversified crude sourcing, expanded energy infrastructure, trusted international partnerships, strategic reserves and the growing use of alternative fuels, according to the minister.Puri also highlighted the government's recent approval of the Rs 84,000-crore Samudra Manthan scheme, calling it one of the world's largest state-backed initiatives to accelerate deepwater oil and gas exploration. Under the programme, private companies will undertake drilling while the government will support up to 50% of drilling costs, subject to a ceiling of around Rs 650 crore per well.The minister said the incentive is aimed at attracting global expertise and investment into India's offshore sector.

Companies such as Brazil's Petrobras have been engaged for their deepwater drilling capabilities, while BP is partnering with ONGC to enhance production from the Mumbai High fields.Also read: Reliance Industries books supertanker at record $23-25 million freight to lift Iraqi crudeIndia is simultaneously expanding its refining capacity even as refining capacity is

shrinking in parts of Europe, Puri said, adding that the country's growing energy demand will remain a key driver of global oil consumption. Between 2030 and 2050, nearly 30% of the increase in global oil demand is expected to come from India, underscoring the country's rising importance in global energy markets, he said.