IEW 2026 showcased India’s reform-driven energy model that seeks to balance economic growth, climate responsibility, and consumer protection. The event witnessed participation from over 75,000 energy professionals, 600 exhibitors, 500 speakers across 110 conference sessions, and 6,200 delegates representing more than 120 countries.

During the Opening Ceremony, Hon’ble Prime Minister through video message highlighted that India Energy Week has, in a very short span of time, emerged as a global platform for dialogue and action, Prime Minister remarked that today India is a land of immense opportunities for the energy sector. He underlined that India is one of the world’s fastest growing economy, which means the demand for energy products in the country is continuously rising. He emphasized that India also offers excellent opportunities to meet global demand. He also remarked that India is among the top five exporters of petroleum products in the world, with export coverage extending to more than 150 countries. He stated that this capacity of India will be of great benefit to all. He further stressed that the Energy Week platform is an excellent place to explore partnerships and extended his best wishes to all participants.

Prime Minister stated that before moving ahead with his remarks, he wished to highlight a major development. He mentioned that just yesterday, a significant agreement was signed between India and the European Union, which people across the world are calling the “mother of all deals.” Shri Modi emphasized that this agreement brings immense opportunities for India’s 140 crore plus people and millions across European nations. He underlined that it stands as a remarkable example of coordination between two of the world’s largest economies. The Prime Minister highlighted that the agreement represents nearly 25% of global GDP and about one-third of global trade. He remarked that beyond trade, the deal strengthens the shared commitment to democracy and the Rule of Law. 

Hon’ble Prime Minister also pointed out that the free trade agreement with the EU will complement the agreements with Britain and European Free Trade Association (EFTA), thereby reinforcing both trade and global supply chains. He extended warm congratulations to India’s youth and all citizens for this achievement, and also conveyed his best wishes to those engaged in sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, and footwear, noting that the agreement will prove highly beneficial for them. The Prime Minister stressed that this trade deal will not only boost manufacturing in India but also expand the services sector further. He affirmed that the free trade agreement will strengthen global business and investor confidence in India.

Emphasizing that India is actively working on global partnerships across every sector, he also remarked that in the energy sector alone, there are vast investment opportunities across different areas of the energy value chain. He highlighted that India has significantly opened up its exploration sector and referred to the deep-sea exploration initiative known as the Samudra Manthan Mission. He stated that by the end of this decade, India aims to raise investments in the oil and gas sector to 100 billion dollars, with a target of expanding the scope of exploration to one million square kilometers. The Prime Minister noted that more than 170 blocks have already been awarded, and the Andaman and Nicobar basin is emerging as the next hydrocarbon hope. 

Underlining that several reforms have been undertaken in the exploration sector, including reducing the No-Go areas, he added that suggestions received during previous editions of India Energy Week have been incorporated into changes in Acts and Rules. He affirmed that companies investing in the exploration sector are certain to see increased profitability.

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in his keynote address at the event highlighted India’s steady and resilient progress towards energy security, self-reliance and climate justice under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He noted that India Energy Week has rapidly evolved into a trusted global forum, bringing together policymakers, producers, consumers, technology providers and investors to navigate a period of unprecedented transition and volatility in the global energy system.

Shri Puri emphasised that the global energy transition is fundamentally about “energy addition” rather than replacement, underscoring the need for sustained investment across oil, gas, biofuels, green hydrogen, LNG and clean cooking fuels. He outlined India’s reforms-driven approach to ensuring availability, affordability and sustainability. The Minister highlighted the opening of large sedimentary basins for exploration, successive Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) and Discovered Small Fields (DSF) bidding rounds, along with continued policy reforms to attract global investors. He added that India’s rapid expansion of LPG coverage, clean cooking access and diversified energy mix reflect the country’s commitment to inclusive growth and equitable energy access.

During IEW 2026, India entered into several strategic agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the objective of strengthening energy security, diversifying supply sources, and promoting innovation within the oil and gas sector. Some of the agreements and MoUs signed were:

1. India and Canada signed a Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation, marking a major reset in bilateral energy engagement with the launch of a renewed India–Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration across LNG, LPG, crude oil, refined fuels, clean energy and critical minerals, recognising India as the world’s fastest-growing major energy market and Canada as a reliable global energy supplier.


2. IndianOil signed a MoU with Engie Energy Marketing India Pvt Ltd. marking an important step towards strengthening the engagement across the LNG and natural gas value chain. The MoU provides a structured framework for IndianOil and ENGIE to jointly explore opportunities in LNG and natural gas trading, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region. It also opens avenues for cooperation in areas such as financial risk management for gas portfolios, capacity building, gas distribution networks, power trading and energy transition initiatives.


3. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) and Reliance Industries Limited signed a strategic MoU aimed at sharing offshore infrastructure and resources to unlock operational efficiencies, optimise assets and strengthen India’s offshore exploration and production ecosystem. The collaboration marks a significant step toward fostering cooperation between India’s public and private energy majors, enabling better utilisation of offshore facilities, reduced costs and faster development of hydrocarbon resources.


4. Oil India Limited (OIL), TotalEnergies and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) signed a MoU to enhance collaboration across the liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain, with a focus on strengthening energy security in North-East India. The MoU establishes a structured framework for strategic engagement among the three organisations, enabling discussions on LNG sourcing, logistics, infrastructure alignment and asset mobilisation. The collaboration aims to ensure reliable and competitive LNG supplies to support OIL and NRL’s operational and growth requirements in the region, while leveraging TotalEnergies’ global LNG expertise.


5. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Indian Gas Exchange Limited (IGX) entered into a strategic MoU to improve access to HPCL’s LNG regasification infrastructure at Chhara, Gujarat, and promote greater market-based participation in India’s natural gas sector. As part of the collaboration, IGX will create a digital, market-driven platform for transparent booking of regasification services at HPCL’s Chhara LNG Terminal. HPCL will make available its storage and regasification capacities on the platform in predefined quantities and timeframes, enabling wider access for market participants.


6. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), has signed a non-binding MoU with Rossari Biotech Limited. Under the MoU, BPCL and Rossari Biotech will explore opportunities for strategic collaboration in downstream petrochemical value creation. The potential partnership is aligned with BPCL’s upcoming refinery–petrochemical complex at Bina, Madhya Pradesh, which is expected to significantly enhance BPCL’s petrochemical footprint.


7. GAIL (India) Limited, signed a long-term charter agreement with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (MOL), Tokyo, for the LNG carrier “GAIL BHUWAN.” The collaboration strengthens cooperation in LNG shipping and energy logistics. The agreement is a milestone under India’s ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,’ reinforcing the country’s maritime and energy supply chain capabilities.


8. Petronet LNG Limited (PLL) and Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) have entered into a Master Agreement under which PLL will undertake procurement of LNG cargoes and supply Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) to MGL, strengthening India’s city gas distribution ecosystem.


9. Engineers India Limited (EIL), signed a strategic collaboration agreement with technology leader Honeywell. The partnership aims to synergize EIL’s world-class engineering and project execution capabilities with Honeywell’s global technological expertise to deliver advanced, efficient, and environmentally compliant solutions for the refining sector.


10. Petronet LNG Limited (PLL) signed a MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to strategically collaborate on the development of 25 Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plants across India, marking a significant step towards accelerating the country’s transition to sustainable energy. By jointly developing CBG infrastructure, PLL and IOCL aims to contribute meaningfully to India’s green energy roadmap and net-zero goals, while also supporting the Government of India’s Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative.

To showcase India’s growth trajectory and key achievements, several thematic zones and pavilions were established, highlighting advancements, transformative technologies, and strategic collaborations shaping the nation’s sustainable energy future. The zones and pavilions are as follows:

1. Hydrogen Zone: Hosted by Oil India Limited (OIL), this zone showcased cutting-edge hydrogen technologies and solutions shaping India’s low-carbon future. The zone brings together innovations across hydrogen production, storage and utilisation, offering visitors a comprehensive view of pathways that are powering clean energy transitions globally.


2. Biofuels Zone: Hosted by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Biofuels Zone showcased breakthroughs across bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas, highlighting how sustainable biofuels are supporting decarbonisation across transport, industry and rural economies.


3. Renewable Energy Zone: Hosted by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), the Renewable Energy Zone focused on solar, wind and hybrid solutions propelling India’s clean energy transformation, demonstrating technologies driving resilience, affordability and large-scale energy access.


4. LNG Ecosystem Zone: Hosted by Petronet LNG Limited (PLL), the LNG Ecosystem Zone explored the LNG value chain from liquefaction to end-use, highlighting infrastructure, storage solutions and emerging technologies contributing to a lower-emissions future.


5. Make In India Zone: Hosted by Engineers India Limited (EIL), the Make In India Zone celebrated Indian engineering and manufacturing excellence, highlighting homegrown capabilities strengthening India’s energy ecosystem across the value chain.


6. City Gas Distribution Zone: Hosted by GAIL, the City Gas Distribution Zone showcased the networks and innovations driving India’s gas-based economy, demonstrating how CGD is delivering cleaner and more efficient energy to homes, vehicles and industries.


7. Petrochem Zone: Hosted by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), the Petrochem Zone showcased advanced technologies and processes enabling next-generation manufacturing, industrial diversification and sustainable materials innovation.


8. India Net-Zero Zone: Hosted by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), The India Net-Zero Zone spotlighted technologies and partnerships accelerating India’s pathway towards a sustainable, carbon neutral future.


9. Sustainable Aviation Zone: Hosted by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Zone explored next-generation fuel solutions transforming aviation. The zone highlighted sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen propulsion and efficiency technologies supporting the pathway towards net-zero flight.


10. Digitalization & AI Zone: Hosted by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), The Digitalisation & AI Zone highlighted how artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics and IoT are transforming energy systems through smart grids, predictive analytics and real-time monitoring.


11. Nuclear Zone: Hosted by World Nuclear Zone, The Nuclear Zone highlighted the role of nuclear technologies in delivering safe, reliable and carbon-free power. The zone showcased innovations in advanced reactor design, small modular reactors (SMRs) and supporting systems that strengthen long-term energy security.


12. The Sustainable Mobility Pavilion: Hosted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), The Sustainable Mobility Pavilion served as a prominent platform for showcasing cutting-edge advancements in automotive technology. Featuring state-of-the-art vehicle models from leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), it highlighted innovative mobility solutions designed to enhance sustainability, operational efficiency, and overall user experience within the rapidly evolving transportation landscape.

To foster young talent and support aspiring entrepreneurs in the energy sector, FIPI organized a series of competitions during IEW 2026. The major competitions and their outcomes are outlined below:

1. Avinya Energy Startup Challenge: The Avinya Energy Startup Challenge is designed to promote Indian Startups in the energy sector, with a focus on innovation, socio-economic impact, sustainability, diversity and alignment with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. The initiative received an overwhelming response, attracting 161 nominations from domestic startups. Following a rigorous evaluation process, five startups were selected as winners and were honoured with trophies and certificates. The winning startups and their respective positions are:
   
   
   
   
   • First Position: Minimines Cleantech Solutions
   
   
   • Runner-up: Ossus Biorenewables
   
   
   • 2nd Runner-up: Tranzmeo IT Solutions
   
   
   • 3rd Runner-up: Rezlytix Technologies
   
   
   • 4th Runner-up: Petrobot Technologies
   
   
   
   

2.  Vasudha Oil & Gas Overseas Startup Challenge: Vasudha Oil & Gas Overseas Startup Challenge invited nominations from global upstream sector startups to showcase innovative solutions across diverse categories including, Seismic & Non-Seismic Exploration, Digital & Artificial Intelligence Interventions, Measurement & Compliance of ESG Goals, CCUS & CO2 based EOR technologies, and Geothermal Energy exploration & Utilization. The challenge received 20 applications from across, out of which, two were selected as winners following a rigorous evaluation process. These winning startups were honoured with trophies and certificates. The winners are:

• First Position: Senergetics B.V., The Netherlands


• Runner-up: Resermine Inc., USA

3.  Hackathon Challenge: A Hackathon Challenge was conducted among Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other premier institutes. In-total 7 institutes participated namely, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, RGIPT and IIPE, Visakhapatnam. The hackathon was centred on the theme “Empowering Innovation in the Energy Sector,” addressing critical energy sector challenges focussing on the following areas: AI-based Exploration, Energy Efficient Processes in Oil & Gas Production & Refining, Hydrogen Economy, and Circular Economy in the Energy Sector. The winning institutes were honoured with trophies and certificates. The winners are:

• First Position: IIT-Bombay; on ‘AI Based Exploration’


• Runner-up: IIT-Delhi; on ‘Circular Economy’

4. R&D Challenge: FIPI invited its Student Chapters to present their most innovative Research & Development (R&D) projects, before a distinguished audience comprising national and international participants, VIPs, government officials, and senior industry leaders at IEW 2026 Exhibition at Goa. A total of 8 projects were submitted by seven Student Chapters namely RGIPT, IIPE-Visakhapatnam, IIT(ISM)-Dhanbad, IIT-Guwahati, UPES-Dehradun, Dibrugarh University, PDEU-Gandhinagar.  The presentations on the projects, made by the Student Chapters, were evaluated by the eminent Jury and the following best 4 R&D projects were selected to showcase during IEW 2026:

• PDEU, Gandhi Nagar: Predictive Maintenance of Sucker Rod Pump Using Internet of Things.


• RGIPT, Amethi: Python-Based Image Processing Approach for Pendant Drop Interfacial Tension Determination Under HPHT Reservoir Conditions.


• IIPE, Visakhapatnam: Development of a Machine Learning Model based on Experimental Investigations to Quantify Formation Damage caused by Drilling and Completion Fluids in Indian Oilfields.


• Dibrugarh University: Development of AI-Enabled Sorbent Technologies for Sustainable Oil Spill Remediation.

FIPI also conferred its Annual Awards during India Energy Week (IEW) 2026, where the awardees were felicitated by the Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The FIPI Annual Awards recognise excellence across the oil and gas value chain, honouring organisations and professionals for their exemplary performance in areas such as operational efficiency, innovation, safety, sustainability, and digitalisation. The awards serve as a platform to showcase best practices and promote a culture of continuous improvement within the industry.

Eminent professors, including Padma Shri Prof. G.D. Yadav, Chairman, The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of MoP&NG, Emeritus Professor of Eminence, ICT, Mumbai; Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR- Pune and Member, SAC; Prof. Shantanu Roy, Director, IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi; Prof. Harish Hirani, Director, RGIPT; and Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM), Dhanbad were also invited to share their rich experience and insights during the technical sessions of India Energy Week (IEW) 2026. Their valuable contributions significantly enriched the deliberations, bringing academic depth and practical perspectives to the discussions. The technical conference sessions were widely appreciated by participants for their relevance and quality. Attendees greatly benefited from these knowledge-sharing engagements, which enhanced the overall impact of the conference.

As part of the FIPI Student Chapter Initiative, the FIPI facilitated the participation of 20 students and 10 faculty members at IEW 2026. In addition, leading Indian oil & gas majors invited 500 students from various colleges and universities across Goa, pursuing graduate and post-graduate in disciplines such as Engineering, Geology, Chemistry, Business Management, Environmental Management, Finance, Information Technology and Renewable Energy etc. to attend the technical sessions of IEW 2026. This initiative provided a valuable platform for aspiring professionals to engage with industry experts, exchange ideas, and gain insights into current, emerging, and future trends shaping the global energy sector.

Furthermore, for the first time at IEW 2026, FIPI introduced a Direct Registration facility for students and faculty through the IEW website on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 200 entries were shortlisted by FIPI for complimentary registration to the technical sessions during the event.

FIPI also participated as an exhibitor at IEW 2026, where it set up a dedicated stall to showcase its key initiatives and contributions to the energy sector. The stall prominently featured a range of informative infographics highlighting FIPI’s core competencies, major advocacy areas, and policy interventions. It also displayed its flagship publications, including the Economic and Policy Report, Quarterly Journals, and Annual Report, along with various studies undertaken by it. The stall attracted substantial footfall from diverse segments of the event, facilitating meaningful interactions and exchange of ideas. In particular, it generated significant interest and discussions among students and young professionals, reflecting FIPI’s growing outreach and relevance within the emerging talent pool in the energy sector.

IEW 2026 was widely appreciated for its scale, seamless organization, and thoughtfully curated sessions, attracting significant participation from across the energy ecosystem. The event stood out as a premier platform fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and investors, while enabling meaningful exchanges of ideas, exploration of synergies, and the initiation of strategic partnerships.