16 JUN 2025, New Delhi
In a major update for India’s energy sector, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that India could soon make a significant oil discovery in the Andaman Sea. This development is expected to be a game-changer not just for India but especially for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The minister shared this information during an interview with a national news outlet. He stated that ongoing oil and gas exploration, supported by new policies and increased private investment, is showing great promise. Under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), companies like Oil India and ONGC are actively conducting surveys and drilling operations in the Andaman Sea.
Mr. Puri mentioned, “We may soon find a big oil reserve like the one in Guyana.” The Guyana oil reserve is one of the largest in recent history and has brought major economic benefits to that country.
If India discovers such a large oil reserve, it could significantly boost the country’s economy, from the current $3.7 trillion to potentially $20 trillion, according to the minister. For the Andaman Islands, this would bring massive opportunities, including job creation in oil exploration, transport, and infrastructure projects. It would also improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, and possibly fund better public services such as roads, fuel supply, and logistics.
The exploration is still ongoing, but hopes are high that this could be one of the most important discoveries in India’s recent history. Experts believe something big may be found very soon.
