India Energy Week 2026: PM Modi Flags $500 Billion Investment Opportunity in Energy Sector

• India’s energy sector offers $500 billion investment potential across the entire value chain

• India set to become the world’s largest refining hub, capacity to cross 300 MMTPA

• India–EU FTA termed the “mother of all deals”, covering 25% of global GDP

• Major push to LNG, deep-sea exploration, petrochemicals and gas infrastructure

GG News Bureau
Goa | January 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India has emerged as one of the most promising destinations for global energy investment, asserting that the country is steadily progressing from energy security towards the broader goal of energy independence.

Addressing the inaugural session of India Energy Week 2026 via video conferencing, the Prime Minister noted that delegates from nearly 125 countries have assembled in Goa to deliberate on building a secure, affordable and sustainable global energy future. He said the event has, in a short span, grown into a key international platform for policy dialogue and collaboration in the energy sector.

India’s Growth Driving Global Energy Opportunities

Highlighting India’s rapid economic expansion, PM Modi said the country’s rising energy demand also creates opportunities for global partners. He pointed out that India is among the top five exporters of petroleum products, supplying energy to more than 150 countries worldwide.

He added that India’s scale, reliability and affordability make it an attractive and dependable energy partner for nations looking to diversify supply chains.

India–EU FTA a Historic Global Trade Deal

The Prime Minister described the proposed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark development, calling it the “mother of all deals.” He said the agreement reflects unprecedented coordination between two major economic blocs.

According to PM Modi, the India–EU FTA will account for nearly 25 per cent of global GDP and around one-third of global trade, setting new benchmarks for international economic cooperation.

Boost to Manufacturing, Services and Youth Employment

PM Modi said the India–EU agreement would complement India’s recent FTAs with the United Kingdom and EFTA countries, strengthening global supply chains and enhancing investor confidence.

He noted that the deal would provide a major boost to manufacturing and services, while creating new opportunities for India’s youth. Sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather and footwear are expected to see significant gains.

Energy Sector Reforms and Samudra Manthan Mission

Reaffirming India’s openness to global partnerships, the Prime Minister said the energy sector offers investment opportunities across the entire value chain. He highlighted major reforms in oil and gas exploration and referred to the Samudra Manthan Mission, India’s ambitious deep-sea exploration initiative.

India aims to attract $100 billion in investments in oil and gas exploration by the end of the decade and expand exploration coverage to one million square kilometres.

He said over 170 exploration blocks have already been awarded, with the Andaman and Nicobar basin emerging as a promising hydrocarbon region.

Investor-Friendly Policies and Regulatory Reforms

PM Modi said several regulatory changes, including the reduction of No-Go areas and simplified policies, have made the sector more investor-friendly. He added that many of these reforms were shaped by feedback received during earlier editions of India Energy Week.

India’s Refining Strength on the Global Stage

Highlighting India’s refining capabilities, the Prime Minister said the country currently ranks second globally and is on course to become the world’s largest refining hub.

India’s existing refining capacity of about 260 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) is expected to cross 300 MMTPA in the near future, further strengthening its position in global energy markets.

LNG, Gas Infrastructure and Shipping Push

On liquefied natural gas (LNG), PM Modi said India plans to meet 15 per cent of its energy needs through LNG and is investing across the entire value chain.

He highlighted a ₹70,000-crore shipbuilding programme to support domestic LNG transportation, along with the development of new LNG terminals, regasification facilities, pipelines and an expanding city gas distribution network.

Rising Petrochemical Demand Creates New Opportunities

The Prime Minister said India’s large population and fast-growing economy are driving strong demand for petrochemicals, opening up substantial investment opportunities in downstream infrastructure.

From Energy Security to Energy Independence

Emphasising ongoing reforms, PM Modi said India is building a transparent, stable and investor-friendly energy ecosystem.

“India is now moving beyond energy security towards the mission of energy independence,” he said, adding that cost-efficient refining and transportation will make Indian energy exports globally competitive.

$500 Billion Opportunity, Global Investors Invited

Calling the energy sector central to India’s development ambitions, the Prime Minister said it offers investment opportunities worth $500 billion.

He concluded with a message to global investors:
“Make in India, Innovate in India, Scale with India, Invest in India.”

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, senior officials and global energy leaders were present at the event.