Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) Petroleum and Natural Gas at the opening plenary session of the 21st World Petroleum Congress on “Energy Strategies for a Growing World” at Moscow on June 16, 2014, stressed the Indian world-view of energy. Energy is one amongst five elements that are sacred to the Indian way of life and thus by definition needs to be sustainable and inclusive. The Minister invoked the philosophy of Vasudev Kutumbakam to exhort world leaders to ensure that no one is left behind in the journey of growth and progress. He emphasised that the energy policy must serve broader economic growth and its benefits should not exclude the poor and the vulnerable. He outlined the importance of innovation, partnerships, simplification of the regulatory regimes, rule of law, promotion of renewable energy in achieving our goals of energy security in line with the priorities of the new government led by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.
Our efforts, Mr Pradhan said, must focus on promoting fiscal and regulatory regimes that are stable and equitable to both investors and owners of natural resources. He called for enhancing technology collaboration across the value chain since we have to delve deeper and explore in more difficult areas for oil and gas, including shale gas and tight oil.
His visit to Moscow, Mr Pradhan said, has given him an opportunity to renew the deep and multifaceted ties between the two countries. Russia has always been a longstanding, time- tested friend and a strategic partner and energy is an essential element of our relationship. We look forward to working further in this sphere. The Hon’ble Minister later inaugurated the India Pavilion at the WPC Exhibition and is slated to attend several bilateral meetings with different countries during the congress.
GAIL is participating in WPC 2014 Exhibition along with other oil companies under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas