Vedanta Ltd's oil and gas arm, Cairn Oil & Gas, is exploring plans to hire American experts to help develop India’s shale sector as part of an ambitious strategy to significantly boost domestic energy production. The move comes amid rising global crude prices and heightened concerns over energy security following geopolitical disruptions.
Chairman Anil Agarwal said the company aims to quadruple its daily output to the equivalent of one million barrels over the next decade. Speaking on the sidelines of a major energy conference in Houston, he revealed that Cairn is in discussions with oilfield contractors and may invest up to $5 billion to accelerate exploration and production efforts in India.
A key part of Cairn’s strategy involves hiring around 10 American shale specialists to replicate the highly efficient US shale model in India. The company hopes to reduce drilling and completion timelines by nearly one-third, enabling faster scaling of output from domestic reserves, including untapped shale formations. Agarwal acknowledged the expertise of US producers, describing them as global leaders in shale extraction.
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India currently relies heavily on imported crude oil, making energy security a critical national priority. Cairn’s expansion plans are seen as a significant step toward reducing this dependence, particularly at a time when global supply chains remain vulnerable. Agarwal stressed the importance of achieving at least 50 per cent energy self-sufficiency to safeguard the country’s economic stability.
The company has already drilled four shale wells that are awaiting completion, indicating early progress in its exploration efforts. At the same time, Cairn’s outreach to North American contractors aligns with a broader trend of US oil service providers seeking international opportunities as activity slows in domestic shale regions.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, has further underscored the urgency of such initiatives. Agarwal described the situation as concerning, noting that supply disruptions highlight the need for robust domestic production. He added that the Indian government remains focused on ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability, reinforcing the strategic importance of expanding local energy capacity.
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