New Delhi: India has confirmed the discovery of natural gas in the Andaman Sea for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy exploration efforts.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced that Oil India Ltd has established the presence of natural gas at the Sri Vijayapuram-2 well, located 17 km off the east coast of the Andaman Islands at a water depth of 295 meters and a target depth of 2,650 meters.
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Initial tests indicate that the gas contains 87% methane, pointing to a substantial find.
Minister Puri also highlighted the possibility of a massive oil reserve in the region, estimated at 2 lakh crore liters, which, if confirmed, could significantly boost India’s economy toward a $20 trillion target.
The discovery aligns with India’s broader strategy to reduce import dependence, enhance energy security, and achieve self-reliance in oil and gas production.
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ONGC is actively involved in exploring these offshore blocks, awarded under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (2019).
Analysts say the Andaman finds could open new avenues for energy production and economic growth, establishing India as a stronger player in the global energy sector.
