New Delhi – In a landmark move aimed at boosting India’s domestic energy output, the Union Government formally entered into a tripartite MoU with the state governments of Assam and Nagaland on Saturday. The agreement facilitates the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas across strategically located blocks in the two northeastern states.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and his Nagaland counterpart Neiphiu Rio. Senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with representatives from state-run oil majors, also attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the signing of the MoU as a truly historic moment, asserting that it will significantly enhance the prospects for oil and natural gas exploration in the country. He noted that the agreement has successfully removed a major hurdle that long impeded hydrocarbon projects in the region, thereby unlocking the pathway to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a prosperous and developed North East.
Mr. Shah emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kept the North East at the forefront of his focus ever since he assumed office in 2014, adding that this MoU is a strong example of cooperative federalism. “This agreement will pave the way for rapid economic development, employment generation, and infrastructure growth in both Assam and Nagaland,” he stated.
Highlighting the ongoing global energy crisis exacerbated by the West Asia conflict, Mr. Shah remarked that energy security is key to any country’s development. “This initiative will bolster India’s self-reliance in the future, reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthening our strategic autonomy,” he added.
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri noted that the MoU resolves long-standing issues related to land use, revenue sharing, and security protocols, creating a stable investment climate. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the move as a “new dawn” for the region’s industrial landscape, while Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio expressed hope that the agreement would bring inclusive growth to the state’s eastern districts.
The exploration is expected to commence within the current fiscal year, with both states set to receive significant royalty revenues and developmental funds as part of the deal.