THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 28, 2026

As India prepares to play a decisive role in shaping the global energy demand-supply balance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday engaged with top executives of the world’s leading energy companies, projecting the country as a reliable, reform-driven and future-ready energy partner at the India Energy Week (IEW) 2026.

Interacting with CEOs of major global and Indian energy firms at his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister said India’s rapid economic rise and sustained reform momentum are positioning it at the centre of the evolving global energy landscape. He underlined that India is advancing swiftly towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, a transition that will significantly influence global energy markets in the years ahead.

Global energy leaders participating in the high-level roundtable expressed strong confidence in India’s long-term growth trajectory. They conveyed keen interest in expanding their operations in the country, citing policy stability, transparency, and clear long-term demand visibility as key drivers behind their investment plans.

Welcoming the participants, Prime Minister Modi said such CEO roundtables have emerged as a vital platform for constructive industry-government alignment. He noted that direct engagement with global business leaders enables policymakers to fine-tune frameworks, address sector-specific challenges more effectively, and reinforce India’s position as one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations.

Highlighting the scale of opportunity, the Prime Minister pointed to an investment potential of nearly USD 100 billion in exploration and production, supported by investor-friendly reforms undertaken by the government. He also spotlighted a USD 30 billion opportunity in the compressed bio-gas segment, along with major prospects across the broader energy value chain, including the gas-based economy, refinery and petrochemical integration, and maritime and shipbuilding sectors.

Acknowledging the uncertainties shaping the global energy landscape, Prime Minister Modi observed that the current phase also offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation and collaboration. He called for deeper partnerships, emphasizing that India stands ready to act as a trusted and dependable partner across the entire energy value chain.

The roundtable witnessed participation from 27 CEOs and senior leaders representing prominent global and Indian energy companies and institutions, including TotalEnergies, BP, Vitol, HD Hyundai, Aker, Vedanta, ReNew, Trafigura, Praj, and the International Energy Forum, among others. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State Suresh Gopi, and senior officials of the ministry were also present at the interaction.