India Ready for Global Geopolitical Shifts, Plays Key Role in Energy Talks: Hardeep Singh Puri

Goa : India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 concluded  with the Union Government reiterating India’s growing influence and preparedness in the global energy ecosystem, even as international markets continue to face geopolitical uncertainty and supply disruptions.

Addressing the closing session of the four-day global energy summit, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said India has emerged as a dependable and resilient energy player capable of managing volatility without compromising affordability or supply stability.

Speaking during a closing interaction, the Minister said India’s energy planning has evolved around flexibility, diversified sourcing, and long-term transition strategies. He noted that repeated global shocks in recent years have tested energy systems worldwide, but India has responded by strengthening supply chains and accelerating the adoption of cleaner alternatives.

India, he said, now ranks among the world’s leading energy consumers and refiners, while also exporting significant volumes of petroleum products. “Despite global disruptions, India has remained focused on ensuring reliable access to energy for its citizens while continuing its shift towards sustainability,” the Minister observed.

Puri highlighted the government’s continued emphasis on alternative and renewable fuels such as compressed biogas, ethanol blending, biofuels and green hydrogen, while acknowledging that conventional fuels will remain part of the energy mix for the foreseeable future. According to him, the transition underway is designed to be gradual, inclusive and economically viable.

The Minister also pointed out that the government has shielded consumers from the impact of international price swings. He said fuel supply was maintained without interruption even during periods of global turmoil, and that India continues to enjoy relatively low energy prices compared to many economies.

Following the Minister’s address, Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, outlined the government’s roadmap to meet rising domestic energy demand driven by sustained economic growth. He said the focus would remain on expanding domestic exploration and production, while strengthening India’s position as a global refining and petrochemical hub.

Dr Mittal emphasised increased drilling activity, deeper exploration, and integration of refining with petrochemical operations to reduce import dependence and enhance value creation within the country. He also underscored the growing role of digital tools, artificial intelligence and data-driven systems in improving efficiency across the energy value chain.

On the clean energy front, he said India is steadily progressing towards its biogas and blending targets, supported by state governments, farmer participation and biomass-based supply networks. Technology-led optimisation, he added, would play a key role in balancing cost, sustainability and resilience.

The concluding session reaffirmed India Energy Week 2026 as a major international platform for dialogue on energy security, affordability and transition pathways. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, technology providers and global institutions, reinforcing India’s position as a pragmatic and credible voice in shaping the future of global energy.