The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the governments of Assam and Nagaland to boost domestic oil and gas exploration and production. The agreement aims to attract investments, enhance regulatory coordination, and unlock the vast hydrocarbon potential of the Northeast, including the resource-rich Assam-Arakan Basin and the Naga-Schuppen Belt.
Key Highlights
✅ Centre, Assam and Nagaland sign historic tripartite MoU for oil and gas exploration
✅ Nagaland set to resume oil and gas production after 31 years
✅ Assam holds 22% of India’s crude oil reserves and 15% of natural gas reserves
✅ Agreement aims to boost investments, jobs, infrastructure and regional development
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Friday signed a landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the governments of Assam and Nagaland to accelerate domestic exploration and production (E&P) of oil and natural gas in the Northeast region. The agreement marks a major step in India’s efforts to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported hydrocarbons.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri describing the initiative as a transformative moment for the country’s energy sector. According to the minister, the Northeast possesses immense untapped hydrocarbon resources and is poised to play a critical role in India’s future energy landscape.
Puri highlighted that Assam accounts for nearly 22 per cent of India’s crude oil reserves and around 15 per cent of the country’s natural gas reserves, making it one of the most significant energy-producing states in the country. He also pointed to the substantial hydrocarbon potential in Nagaland’s Naga-Schuppen Belt of the Assam-Arakan Basin, where fresh exploration activities are expected to unlock new reserves.
The minister stated that the MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the Centre and the two state governments, providing certainty to investors and facilitating seamless operational continuity. The agreement is expected to improve regulatory coordination, encourage long-term investments and create a stable environment for energy companies undertaking exploration and production activities in the region.
Calling the development historic, Puri said that the Northeast was the birthplace of India’s petroleum industry and is now ready to power the next phase of the nation’s energy journey. He noted that Nagaland will resume oil and gas production after a gap of 31 years, opening a new chapter in the state’s economic development.
The minister further emphasized that the agreement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of increasing domestic hydrocarbon production. He described the opening of a new basin for fresh wildcat exploration as a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen energy self-reliance and maximize the utilization of domestic resources.
Puri also thanked Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for working together to resolve longstanding issues and create a roadmap for regional growth. He said the collaborative approach adopted by both states would help unlock the vast economic potential of the Northeast.
The resumption and expansion of oil and gas operations are expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities, boost local entrepreneurship, strengthen infrastructure development and create new business prospects for contractors, service providers and small enterprises. The initiative is also projected to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of communities across the Northeast region.
The signing of the tripartite MoU between the Centre, Assam and Nagaland represents a major boost for India’s energy sector and the economic development of the Northeast. By unlocking untapped hydrocarbon reserves, attracting fresh investments and reviving oil and gas production in Nagaland after more than three decades, the agreement is expected to strengthen domestic energy production while creating jobs and infrastructure opportunities across the region.
FAQ Section
Q1. What is the purpose of the tripartite MoU signed by the Centre, Assam and Nagaland ?
The MoU aims to boost domestic oil and gas exploration and production, attract investments and unlock hydrocarbon resources in the Northeast region.
Q2. Why is Assam important for India’s energy sector ?
Assam accounts for nearly 22% of India’s crude oil reserves and around 15% of the country’s natural gas reserves.
Q3. What is the significance of Nagaland in the agreement ?
Nagaland has substantial hydrocarbon potential in the Naga-Schuppen Belt and is set to resume oil and gas production after 31 years.
Q4. How will the MoU benefit the Northeast region ?
The agreement is expected to generate employment, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen infrastructure and boost regional economic development.
Q5. Who signed the agreement ?
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas signed the MoU with the governments of Assam and Nagaland in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Related posts :
Petrol Diesel Adequately Available Across India, Petroleum Ministry
Government Bars PNG Users from Holding LPG Cylinders to Optimise Supply & Step up LPG Production
Fuel prices hiked again for the 4th time ; petrol crosses Rs 102, diesel at Rs 95.20/litre in Delhi
India Maintains Stable LPG Supply Amid West Asia Crisis, Delivers 1.43 Crore Cylinders in Three Days
More Than 80,400 Consumers Shift From LPG to PNG as Government Accelerates City Gas Network Expansion
All refineries operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories: Govt
