India Talks Cooperation in Conventional, Unconventional Hydrocarbons with UK, Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka on Monday agreed to cooperate in the oil and natural gas sector.

Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Power, government of Sri Lanka met India’s Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi and reviewed the existing cooperation between the two countries on hydrocarbon sector. It was agreed that all avenues must be explored to enhance the relationship in this sector, a government of India statement said.

In a separate meeting between a delegation led by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy and Climate change of United Kingdom Baroness Verma and Pradhan, topic of bilateral cooperation in oil and gas sector between India and United Kingdom was discussed. 

"She mentioned that some UK companies have already invested in India and UK government was exploring how the Indian market could grow and be more competitive, thus encouraging other UK companies to invest in India," a separate official statement said. 

India’s E&P sector and prospects for securing energy through investments abroad were explained.

It was explained that Indian state owned companies look for joint ventures with other companies including companies from UK.

“India welcomes potential partners to share knowledge and information in E&P sector including exploration and exploitation of shale gas and shale Oil, gas hydrates and sand oil,” the statement said.