Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) signed an agreement to collaborate on deepwater offshore exploration and production (E&P) operations along India’s East Coast, focusing on the Krishna Godavari (KG) Basin and Andaman offshore areas. The partnership aims to share key resources required for offshore operations, including both onshore and offshore processing facilities, to improve efficiency and reduce duplication across operators.
Strengthening India’s Energy Security
“The agreement reflects the Government of India’s focus on energy security through scaled domestic exploration and production, supported by progressive regulations, streamlined infrastructure, and industry collaboration,” ONGC stated. By pooling critical resources, the collaboration is expected to optimize costs, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate project execution, strengthening India’s deepwater E&P capabilities.
Shared Facilities and Operational Benefits
Under the agreement, ONGC and Reliance will share high-value assets and infrastructure, including:
*Drilling rigs and specialised subsea equipment
*Marine vessels such as MSVs, tugs, and PSVs
*Pipelines and power infrastructure
*Logging and well services
The structured framework will allow faster mobilisation and execution of offshore projects, while improving resource utilisation by reducing idle capacity and duplication across operators. Additionally, the shared arrangement will enhance operational resilience and safety preparedness, leveraging joint emergency response systems and training programmes.
Aligned with ORDA Act 2025
The collaboration is fully aligned with the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025 (ORDA Act 2025), introduced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). The Act provides a clear regulatory framework for E&P operators to share infrastructure and facilities, both onshore and offshore, enabling more efficient oilfield development and hydrocarbon production.
A Step Towards Efficient Deepwater Development
As reported by msn.com, by sharing infrastructure and capabilities, ONGC and Reliance aim to accelerate deepwater exploration, optimize costs, and strengthen operational efficiency, reflecting a broader trend of collaboration-driven growth in India’s energy sector.
