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India’s Andaman Sea Oil Discovery Could Skyrocket Economy to $20 Trillion
By Masala Mirror | Published: July 4, 2025 | Updated: July 4, 2025
India is poised for a historic energy breakthrough as offshore drilling in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands uncovers signs of a massive oil reserve, potentially rivaling Guyana’s colossal 11.6 billion barrel discovery. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced that India is on the verge of a “2 lakh crore litre oil jackpot” in the Andaman Sea, a find that could transform the nation’s economy from $3.7 trillion to a staggering $20 trillion.
A Transformative Find for India’s Energy Future
In a recent interview with The New Indian, Minister Puri expressed unwavering confidence, stating, “We’re close to striking a Guyana-level find in the Andaman Sea.” Geological surveys and seismic data point to significant hydrocarbon deposits, positioning the Andaman basin as a potential game-changer. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL) are spearheading efforts, with ONGC drilling a record 541 wells in FY24, including 103 exploratory wells, backed by a ₹37,000 crore investment. Oil India has also launched operations at the Vijaya Puram-1 site, employing advanced rigs like the Blackford Dolphin for deepwater exploration.
Slashing India’s Oil Import Bill
As the world’s third-largest oil importer, India relies on foreign sources for over 85% of its crude oil. A Guyana-scale discovery—equivalent to 184,440 crore litres—could drastically cut this dependency, bolstering energy security and stabilizing fuel prices. This would free up billions in foreign reserves, paving the way for economic growth and infrastructure development.
A $20 Trillion Economic Leap
Puri emphasized that the Andaman discovery could propel India’s GDP to $20 trillion, rivaling global energy giants like Saudi Arabia. Beyond energy, the find promises to transform the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into an economic hub, creating jobs and boosting regional development. The strategic location near Bay of Bengal shipping lanes further amplifies its potential.
Policy Push and Exploration Momentum
India’s Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) and recent legislative reforms have unlocked over 1 million square kilometers of sedimentary basins for exploration, attracting global investors. With an estimated 42 billion tonnes of oil and gas equivalent in India’s basins, recent finds like Suryamani (4 million metric tonnes) and Neelmani (1.2 million metric tonnes) signal early success. Oil India’s ₹2,500 crore investment in Andaman exploration underscores the region’s priority.
Challenges and Strategic Opportunities
Offshore drilling is costly, with wells averaging $100 million compared to $4 million onshore. Yet, the Andaman basin’s geological similarities to hydrocarbon-rich Southeast Asian regions fuel optimism. A successful find could reduce reliance on volatile West Asian oil supplies and establish the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a key energy hub.
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The Andaman Sea oil discovery could redefine India’s energy landscape and economic trajectory. Stay updated with Masala Mirror for the latest on this transformative story and more breaking news.
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