India has confirmed the discovery of natural gas in the Andaman basin, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced this week, marking a major advance in the country’s hunt for indigenous energy resources.
The find at the Sri Vijayapuram-2 well, drilled 17 km off the Andaman east coast, is the region’s first confirmed presence of hydrocarbons and could strengthen energy security, relieve import dependence, and open new economic opportunities. Initial tests show gas with 87% methane, though the full scale and commercial viability are pending verification.
A New Energy Chapter for India
The Sri Vijayapuram-2 well, operated by Oil India Ltd under India’s Open Acreage Licensing Policy, was drilled at a water depth of 295 metres and reached a final depth of 2,650 metres. Minister Hardeep Singh Puri called it “an ocean of energy opportunities,” aligning with hopes that it could match Guyana-scale discoveries.
Samples brought for laboratory testing in Kakinada revealed high methane content, demonstrating the well’s potential as a future energy source.
Official statements stressed the scale of the breakthrough. “The discovery is a testament to the capability of Indian exploration efforts—this is the first such reported hydrocarbon occurrence in the ongoing Andaman campaign and could shape future development strategy,” said an Oil India spokesperson.
Test wells at depths between 2,212 and 2,250 metres registered intermittent flaring, further validating the find.
Strategic Significance and Future Plans
This significant find comes on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent launch of the National Deep Water Exploration Mission (“Samudra Manthan”)—a programme to boost exploration and expand India’s share of natural gas in its total energy mix to 15% by 2030.
India currently meets just half its gas needs domestically, relying heavily on imports from Qatar, the US, and the UAE. The Andaman basin, part of the larger Bengal-Arakan sedimentary system, has long been hypothesised as a potential hydrocarbon hotbed, validated by similar discoveries off Myanmar and northern Indonesia.
Experts warn, however, that multiple rounds of assessment and environmental checks remain before full-scale commercial exploitation. “Further isotope studies and higher-up prospect tests are needed to estimate the size and economic viability,” said officials.
ONGC is also conducting ultra-deepwater drilling nearby, indicating broader industry interest in unlocking the region’s potential.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This breakthrough embodies the promise of self-sufficient, sustainable progress when combined with community engagement and responsible stewardship.
As India eyes new energy frontiers, ensuring environmental balance, transparent policy, and direct involvement of local populations must drive the development roadmap.
