New Delhi: GAIL (India) Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly evaluate domestic upstream Exploration and Production (E&P) opportunities, reinforcing India’s energy security objectives.
The MoU was signed during India Energy Week (IEW) 2026, held in Goa.
MoU Signed at India Energy Week 2026
The agreement was formalized by Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Executive Director (Business Development), GAIL, in the presence of Mr. R.K. Singhal, Director (Business Development), GAIL, along with senior officials from both organizations.
From ONGC, the signing was witnessed by Mr. Arunangshu Sarkar, Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs) and Mr. O.P. Sinha, Director (Exploration), among other senior executives.
Focus on Domestic Upstream Exploration
Under the MoU, GAIL and ONGC will jointly identify and evaluate domestic upstream oil and gas opportunities across India. The collaboration aims to assess technically and commercially viable E&P projects that can be developed through joint participation or partnership models.
Potential Joint Ventures and Synergies
The partnership opens the door for potential joint ventures in upstream projects, combining ONGC’s extensive experience in exploration and production with GAIL’s strengths in midstream operations, gas marketing, and business development. This synergy is expected to enhance project execution efficiency and resource optimization.
Boost to India’s Energy Security
The strategic collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to India’s energy security by increasing domestic oil and gas production and reducing dependence on imports. It also aligns with the government’s vision of building a self-reliant and resilient energy ecosystem.
About ONGC and GAIL
ONGC is India’s largest exploration and production company, playing a central role in meeting the country’s oil and gas demand through domestic and international operations.
GAIL (India) Limited is the nation’s leading natural gas transmission and marketing company, with a diversified presence across the gas value chain. Together, the two public sector giants form a critical pillar of India’s energy infrastructure.
