Energy pivot: India explores US liquefaction investments, Japan upstream tie-ups, says Hardeep Puri

Energy Partnership with the US - Indian oil and gas companies are exploring investments in natural gas liquefaction facilities in the US to deepen energy partnership amid geopolitical volatility [1] - Indian firms are evaluating equity infusion in US gas liquefaction projects that are under construction or nearing final investment decision [2] - The US is India's sixth largest energy trade partner, with hydrocarbon trade exceeding $13.7 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, and both countries aim to increase bilateral energy trade to $20 billion [5] Collaboration with Japan - Indian oil and gas producers are exploring collaborations with Japanese E&P companies for joint bidding under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) [4] - India invited Japanese oil companies to participate in the ongoing tenth round of auctions under the OALP, with ethanol and biofuels identified as key areas for partnership [6] - Major Japanese E&P companies such as INPEX Corporation, JAPEX, and JX Nippon Oil & Gas Corp are involved in these discussions [7] Technological Advancements - India and Japan discussed collaboration opportunities in automation, digitalization, AI-enabled predictive analytics, SCADA systems, and advanced instrumentation to enhance efficiency in oil and gas and new energy segments [8] - Yokogawa Electric Corporation has shown strong interest in enhancing investment in India [8] Investor Confidence - Global and domestic companies have expressed strong confidence in India's growth trajectory and are keen to expand their business presence in the country [9] - Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with CEOs of about 27 global and domestic energy giants, indicating strong engagement in the energy sector [10]