PM Modi discusses India's energy sector with top oil CEOs
PM Narendra Modi along with Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan interacted with top oil and gas CEOs from around the world today. Representatives from BP, Reliance, Exxon Mobil, Vedanta, Halliburton, ONGC, IndianOil, Petronet, HPCL, International Gas Union, World Bank and more were present. The meeting was coordinated by the NITI Aayog. Senior officials from the NITI Aayog as well as the Petroleum Ministry also attended.
At the start, Pradhan and NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar gave a brief introduction to the work done by India in the energy sector. Recent developments were listed, challenges discussed and future potential predicted. High growth is expected in energy demand in India, they emphasized.
Representatives then discussed the need for a unified energy policy, encouragement for biofuels, setting up of a gas hub and more. Topics covered policy, administrative and regulatory issues. Many batted for inclusion of the sector in GST. Modi thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and Rosneft for their contributions to the Indian energy sector. He also hoped for increased cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
