India greenlights US$8.81 billion offshore oil and gas push
India greenlit an US$8.81 billion offshore oil and gas exploration plan, prioritising domestic energy production.

India has approved an US$8.81 billion plan to explore offshore oil and gas reserves, expanding its domestic energy production capacity. The initiative underscores New Delhi's continued reliance on fossil fuels amid global energy demand and its own consumption needs.
The approval signals India's commitment to reducing import dependency for crude oil, a critical input for one of Asia's largest economies. Offshore exploration projects typically take years to develop and require substantial capital investment before production begins.
India remains one of the world's fastest-growing energy consumers, with demand driven by urbanisation and industrial expansion. The country currently sources a significant portion of its oil from imports, making domestic production strategically important for energy security and economic stability.



