India is set to host one of the world’s most influential energy gatherings as India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 opens this week in Goa, bringing together global policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and technology innovators at an unprecedented scale. The four-day event, running from 27–30 January at the ONGC Advanced Training Institute (ATI), is expected to be the largest edition yet of this rapidly growing global energy platform.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri described IEW 2026 as convening global energy leadership at a “defining moment” for the sector, with discussions focused on energy security, investment mobilisation, and practical decarbonisation pathways. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate the summit, reinforcing India’s strategic intent to position itself not only as a major energy consumer, but also as a key architect of future energy systems.
Record Participation Underscores Global Significance
IEW 2026 marks a new milestone in both scale and ambition. Organisers expect more than 75,000 delegates, over 600 exhibitors, including 180 international participants, 500+ speakers, and 120+ conference sessions spanning the entire energy value chain. Seventeen ministers and deputy ministers from countries including the UAE, Canada, the Netherlands, Oman, Brunei, Myanmar, and Tanzania have confirmed their participation. In addition, senior representatives from international organisations such as the International Energy Forum, BIMSTEC, and the Eurasian Economic Union will also be present.
Expanded Exhibition Reflects Energy Transition Priorities
The exhibition has expanded significantly, now covering 11 thematic zones that reflect both current realities and future priorities of the global energy system. These zones include digitalisation and artificial intelligence, hydrogen and renewables, petrochemicals, biofuels, LNG ecosystems, city gas distribution, indigenous manufacturing, and net-zero solutions. Notably, nuclear energy and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) have been introduced as dedicated zones for the first time, highlighting their growing importance in long-term decarbonisation strategies.
Policy, Markets and Technology Converge Under One Platform
Organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and co-hosted by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) and dmg events, IEW 2026 blends policy dialogue with commercial and technical engagement. The agenda includes multiple ministerial sessions, 47 leadership panels, and five in-depth Energy Talks, designed to translate policy ambition into actionable outcomes. Discussions will focus on critical themes such as energy security, affordability, climate resilience, and equitable energy transition, encouraging cross-sector collaboration.
Spotlight on Indigenisation and “Make in India”
A strong emphasis on indigenisation anchors this year’s programme. A dedicated “Make in India” pavilion, led by Engineers India Limited, will showcase domestic equipment manufacturers, MSMEs, vendors, and start-ups. This initiative aims to integrate Indian companies more deeply into global energy value chains, while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities across hydrocarbons, renewables, and emerging energy technologies.
IEW 2026 Emerges as a Major Deal-Making Platform
Beyond dialogue, IEW 2026 is rapidly evolving into a significant deal-making forum. Industry sources say companies will announce several strategic agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the event.
Key developments anticipated include:
*Shipbuilding and offshore logistics collaborations involving Indian and global maritime players
*A $780 million term crude supply contract between BPCL and Petrobras (Braskem subsidiary)
MoUs between BPRL and Shell, and between OIL/NRL and Saudi Aramco
A joint venture agreement between TotalEnergies and NRL to develop a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) facility in Paradip, supporting aviation’s net-zero ambitions. Collectively, these initiatives—spanning hydrocarbons, fuel diversification, maritime infrastructure, and renewable energy—will enable Indian and international companies to forge strong long-term partnerships.
India’s Pragmatic Approach to Energy Transition
Addressing the policy direction, Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasised that India is pursuing a calibrated and pragmatic energy transition. The government’s priority remains ensuring affordable, reliable energy access, while steadily reducing carbon intensity through cleaner fuels and advanced technologies. He underscored that oil and gas will continue to play a critical role, even as renewables and emerging fuels scale up to meet future demand.
India’s Growing Influence on the Global Energy Stage
The rapid evolution of India Energy Week into a premier global forum mirrors India’s rising profile in the international energy landscape. With each successive edition drawing greater participation and higher-level engagement, IEW has become a key platform shaping global energy discourse. Etvbharat.com reports that as stakeholders converge in Goa, IEW 2026 will provide valuable insights into how nations can balance economic growth, energy security, and sustainability in a complex and uncertain global environment.
