Union Minister Hardeep Puri, currently in the US for discussions on energy cooperation, praised the partnership between India and the US, highlighting that New Delhi draws significant strength from this collaboration on sustainable energy. Puri, the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, is set to continue talks with US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm in Washington.
Speaking to ANI, Puri said, “I’m here to continue bilateral discussions with US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. We have a US-India Strategic Energy Cooperation partnership, with annual meetings and several sub-groups focused on power, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. These groups involve government departments from both countries, and the progress made has been substantial. Today, we’re collaborating globally on biofuels and the development of green hydrogen.”
Puri also highlighted India’s strides in ethanol blending over the past decade, noting that the country reached its 10% blending target ahead of schedule and is now aiming for 20% by 2030. He expects several MoUs to be signed during his visit, particularly in Houston, to further enhance energy cooperation between the two nations.
“Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has made significant progress in ethanol blending, achieving the 10% target five months ahead of schedule. Our goal is now 20% blending by 2025, ahead of the 2030 target. We are also part of the Global Biofuel Alliance alongside the US and Brazil,” Puri stated.
He added that India’s energy cooperation with the US is vital, with multiple MoUs expected to be signed to boost India’s exploration and production sector. He also emphasized that India is inviting global entities to collaborate on exploring previously restricted areas of its sedimentary basin.
On the issue of purchasing Russian oil, Puri denied any Western pressure on India to cease buying from Russia, noting that Russia’s continued production has helped keep global oil prices stable. He pointed out that Europe continues to buy more Russian oil than India and that a price cap on Russian oil has helped reduce global prices. “At no point during my tenure has anyone suggested that India stop purchasing Russian oil. In fact, Europe buys more oil from Russia than India does,” he added.