New Partnership Between OIL and TotalEnergies Targets India’s Deepwater Exploration
On November 19, 2025, a significant step was taken towards enhancing India’s offshore exploration capabilities as Oil India Limited (OIL) and TotalEnergies sealed a pivotal agreement in New Delhi. This “Technology Service Agreement” aims to advance exploration activities in the challenging deep and ultra-deepwater regions of India’s sedimentary basins.
The ceremony, graced by key government and corporate officials, marked the collaboration’s commencement. Present were Sh Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Sh Praveen Mal Khanooja, Additional Secretary, and Dr. Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director of OIL. The agreement was formally signed by Dr. Sangkaran Ratnam, CMD of TotalEnergies Gas & Power Projects India Private Ltd., and Shri Saloma Yomdo, Director (E&D) of OIL.
Details of the Collaboration
This strategic alliance is set to utilize TotalEnergies’ renowned deepwater exploration technology and expertise. The partnership covers a broad spectrum of initiatives:
- Continued appraisal of gas discoveries in shallow offshore blocks in the Andaman Basin.
- Exploration efforts in OIL’s ultra-deepwater blocks in the Mahanadi and Krishna-Godavari Basins under the OALP-IX license.
- Evaluation of further opportunities in the forth coming OALP X and future bidding rounds.
- Support for stratigraphic well drilling in offshore Category-II & III Basins, as mandated by the Indian government.
This agreement not only strengthens OIL’s offshore portfolio but also aligns with India’s broader goals of enhancing its energy security and developing sustainable energy resources.
Impact on India’s Energy Future
The collaboration between OIL and TotalEnergies is expected to accelerate the exploration and potential discovery of hydrocarbons in India’s offshore regions. This is a crucial development in India’s pursuit of a sustainable and secure energy future, highlighting the nation’s commitment to tapping into its unexplored underwater resources efficiently and responsibly.
