Oil India and TotalEnergies Partner to Boost Deepwater Exploration in India

Published By DPRJ Universal | Published on Friday, 21 November 2025

Oil India Ltd (OIL) and TotalEnergies signed a strategic Technology Service Agreement on November 19, 2025, to collaborate on exploration in India’s deep and ultra-deepwater offshore basins. The partnership focuses on blocks in the Mahanadi, Krishna–Godavari, and Andaman basins, aiming to leverage advanced technology and expertise to accelerate hydrocarbon exploration and support India’s long-term energy security.

On November 19, 2025, Oil India Limited (OIL) and TotalEnergies formalized a strategic partnership through a Technology Service Agreement signed in New Delhi. This collaboration targets deep and ultra-deepwater offshore sedimentary basins in India, specifically covering ultra-deepwater blocks secured by OIL in the Mahanadi and Krishna–Godavari basins under the ninth round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). Both companies plan to jointly evaluate opportunities in the ongoing OALP Round 10 and future bidding rounds. The partnership enables OIL to utilize TotalEnergies’ expertise in seismic data analysis, geological interpretation, and drilling support, particularly for stratigraphic wells mandated by the Indian government. TotalEnergies will also provide technical assistance during stratigraphic and test well drilling in offshore Category II and III basins, reducing exploration risks and enhancing reservoir understanding. Furthermore, the companies will collaborate on appraising a significant natural gas discovery in the shallow blocks of the Andaman Basin, a region critical to India's energy security. OIL’s chairman highlighted the value of international collaboration for improving seismic analysis and mitigating exploration risks before potential joint drilling activities. Industry observers note that this alliance addresses the technical complexities of deepwater exploration and supports India’s strategic goal to secure sustainable offshore hydrocarbon resources, thereby reducing import dependence and strengthening the country’s energy landscape.