India Explores Equity Stakes in US LNG Liquefaction Projects
India is considering the possibility of investing in ownership shares in liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefaction ventures in the US, specifically those currently being built or reaching the final investment decision (FID) stage. This initiative is part of efforts to strengthen the energy partnership between New Delhi and Washington, as stated by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
During his address at India Energy Week (IEW), Puri highlighted that the roundtable conversations regarding the Future of India–US Energy Partnership centered on enhancing collaboration in crude oil, LNG, and LPG. He emphasized the significance of the US solidifying its role as the sixth-largest energy trading partner for India.
Also Read: Karnataka Signs MoU with The Allegiance Group of Taiwan
The bilateral hydrocarbon trade between both nations surged to more than $13.7 billion in the fiscal year 2024-2025. The roundtable took place as a continuation of the conversations initiated during IEW 2025 in New Delhi. It focused on exploring ways to strengthen bilateral trade in crude oil, LNG, and LPG. Puri mentioned that there were talks about potential collaborations in technology, specifically in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) as well as hydrogen, in addition to cooperation in the exploration and production (E&P) sectors.
Puri stated that in addition to the US, India is enhancing its bilateral energy collaboration with Japan. New Delhi has extended an invitation to Japanese oil and gas corporations to engage in the current Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) X round.
Conversations with Japan also encompassed various prospects within the gas and low-carbon fuel industry, such as LNG value chains, urban gas distribution networks, and the advancement of biomethane or compressed biogas (CBG). The parties involved also examined potential partnerships in automation, digitalization, AI-assisted predictive analysis, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and advanced instrumentation to optimize efficiency in oil and gas activities and emerging energy sectors.
Also Read: Cohesity Deepens Commitment to India by Launching Bangalore Facility
Puri mentioned that Yokogawa Electric Corporation has demonstrated a significant inclination towards increasing its investments in India. He further observed that both international and local enterprises have exhibited robust faith in India's progress path and indicated a strong desire to expand and enhance their commercial footprint in the nation.
The minister elaborated on the results of various bilateral discussions held at the IEW, including productive meetings with Japan, the Netherlands, and Iceland.
These discussions covered a range of topics such as hydrocarbons, LNG value chains, geothermal energy, and CCUS.
The minister emphasized that India currently holds a distinct and influential position in the global energy sector.
India currently sources energy from approximately 40 different countries and imports liquefied natural gas (LNG) from 18 unique suppliers. However, it also exports petroleum products to over 150 nations.
Also Read: Raymond Appoints Rakesh Tiwary as Group CFO
According to Puri, the government's primary objective is to diversify its energy supply sources, improve long-term security through investments abroad, and establish India as a dependable partner along the international energy value chain.
The core focus of policy decisions in this regard revolves around ensuring energy availability, affordability, and sustainability.