Union Minister of State (I/C) of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan, at the opening plenary session of the 21st World Petroleum Congress at Moscow today, has stressed the Indian world-view of energy. He said that Energy is one amongst five elements that are sacred to the Indian way of life and thus by definition needs to be sustainable and inclusive. The Minister invoked the philosophy of Vasudev Kutumbakam to exhort world leaders to ensure that no one is left behind in the journey of growth and progress. He emphasised that the energy policy must serve broader economic growth and its benefits should not exclude the poor and the vulnerable. Sh. Pradhan outlined the importance of innovation, partnerships, simplification of the regulatory regimes, rule of law, promotion of renewable energy in achieving our goals of energy security in line with the priorities of the new government led by the Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.
Mr Pradhan said that our efforts must focus on promoting fiscal and regulatory regimes that are stable and equitable to both investors and owners of natural resources. He called for enhancing technology collaboration across the value chain since we have to delve deeper and explore in more difficult areas for oil and gas, including shale gas and tight oil.
The Minister said that his visit to Moscow has given him an opportunity to renew the deep and multifaceted ties between the two countries. He said that Russia has always been a longstanding, time-tested friend and a strategic partner and energy is an essential element of our relationship, and we look forward to working further in this sphere.
The Hon'ble Minister later inaugurated the India Pavilion at the WPC Exhibition.
