India is preparing to bid out approximately 250,000 square kilometres of unexplored territory for oil exploration, a significant expansion of its domestic upstream ambitions.
The country’s petroleum minister confirmed the move, stating that the government is currently in the process of launching the auction to boost local production capabilities.
The decision comes as India, the world’s third-largest importer of oil, seeks to mitigate the impact of what officials describe as the biggest energy supply shock in decades.
The Middle East war has severely disrupted traditional supply routes, forcing the import-dependent economy to accelerate its search for domestic alternatives to ensure energy security.
This strategic pivot highlights the growing vulnerability of major Asian importers to geopolitical instability in key producing regions.
By opening vast new areas for exploration, New Delhi aims to reduce its reliance on volatile foreign markets and stabilize long-term supply chains.