Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met senior Japanese industry representatives in Tokyo to discuss opportunities for deeper India–Japan cooperation across the energy value chain. The meeting focused on how both countries can jointly address long-term energy security and support the transition to cleaner sources.
Puri said India has opened investment opportunities of more than $500 billion across exploration and production, LNG, city gas distribution, hydrogen, shipping and new fuels. He cited policy measures including 100 per cent FDI, transparent bidding processes and continuous exploration licensing aimed at creating a predictable investment environment.
He added that India’s six major oil and gas public-sector companies recorded revenues of about $315 billion in FY 2024–25, accounting for nearly 8 per cent of GDP, reflecting the scale of the sector and its importance for global partnerships.
The Minister highlighted India’s rising energy demand, explaining that the country is the world’s third-largest oil consumer and is expected to contribute nearly 30 per cent of incremental global energy demand over the next two decades. He said Japan’s expertise in advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and environmental technologies makes the partnership complementary.
He invited Japanese companies to increase participation in India’s energy sector, adding that the government would facilitate deeper engagement across the value chain.
Puri cited long-standing industrial linkages, including the Maruti–Suzuki partnership, and said both countries are positioned to co-develop supply chains, build capabilities and contribute to energy security in the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic alignment with Japan
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan in August, the Minister said both sides had adopted the India–Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade. He noted progress on the earlier target of JPY 5 trillion in public and private investment from Japan to India for 2022–26, and said an enhanced goal of JPY 10 trillion (~$68 billion) in private investment has been set.
Puri said India’s expanding natural gas network—backed by investments of around $72 billion—offers scope for collaboration with Japanese firms, particularly in integrating gas systems with emerging technologies such as hydrogen.
