India Oil Exploration is gaining momentum as the government expands opportunities for global energy companies. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with ExxonMobil India Country Chair Scott Sandlin on oil and gas exploration opportunities under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Round 10 and the Eastern Offshore.
Puri highlighted India’s efforts to create a more investor-friendly framework for the upstream energy sector. He also discussed policy reforms aimed at supporting international investment and accelerating exploration activity.
India Oil Exploration Opens New Offshore Opportunities
The government has offered 25 exploration blocks under OALP Round 10. The blocks cover approximately 1,82,589 sq. km.
The round includes 19 offshore blocks covering around 1,65,718 sq. km. Of these, 13 blocks are located in deep and ultra-deepwater areas. They cover approximately 1,24,327 sq. km.
The government has also opened around 1 million sq. km. of previously designated ‘No Go’ areas for exploration.
These measures are aimed at widening access to India’s upstream oil and gas resources.
OALP Round 10 Targets Global Energy Investors
OALP Round 10 is the largest OALP bid round by acreage offered in a single round under the HELP regime.
The blocks have been technically assessed by international experts for their hydrocarbon potential. This provides investors with additional technical information while evaluating exploration opportunities.
The government is using policy reforms and expanded acreage to attract international energy companies.
India Oil Exploration Focuses on Deepwater Resources
Offshore exploration is a major focus of the latest bidding round.
The 13 deep and ultra-deepwater blocks offer significant opportunities for companies with advanced offshore exploration capabilities.
Bidding for onland and shallow-water blocks closed on June 19. However, companies can submit bids for deep and ultra-deepwater blocks until September 17.
Policy Reforms Support India Oil Exploration
Puri highlighted reforms including the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025, new petroleum and natural gas rules and empowered Committee of Secretaries reforms.
The measures are designed to improve the upstream investment environment and make exploration opportunities more attractive to international companies.
Puri also held discussions with Bain & Company Chairman Manny Maceda on potential collaboration in India’s energy sector.
India Oil Exploration Aims to Boost Domestic Production
India’s latest exploration push is aimed at attracting global energy companies and accelerating domestic oil and gas exploration.
Greater participation from international investors could bring advanced technology, capital and technical expertise to India’s upstream sector.
The expansion of offshore acreage under OALP Round 10 therefore creates new opportunities for energy companies while supporting India’s broader efforts to strengthen domestic oil and gas production.
Source: Sarkaritel
