New Delhi [India], August 22 : The Assam Hydrocarbon Exploration, Production and Upstream Ecosystem Development Policy, 2026 came into force, with Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri hailing it as a significant step towards strengthening India's energy security and advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an energy self-reliant India.
Welcoming the policy, Puri said the initiative would help put the Northeast on the path of faster development while unlocking Assam's untapped hydrocarbon potential.
"Assam, which gave birth to India's petroleum industry, now stands ready to power the next chapter of India's energy journey towards Aatmanirbharta," Puri said in a post on X.
https://x.com/HardeepSPuri/status/2090767635105325210
The Union Minister also thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for leading the initiative and said the policy would help attract investment and accelerate oil and natural gas exploration and production in the state.
The policy aims to establish an investor-friendly framework by facilitating clearances, reducing procedural hurdles and encouraging the adoption of advanced exploration technologies.
These measures are expected to accelerate the development of hydrocarbon discoveries and create a more conducive business environment for oil and gas companies operating in Assam.
The policy is also expected to boost domestic energy production and strengthen India's energy security while generating direct and indirect employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled youth.
It is further aimed at increasing economic activity in Assam and strengthening the state's role in meeting India's growing energy requirements.
The Assam Hydrocarbon Exploration, Production and Upstream Ecosystem Development Policy, 2026 will remain in force for 10 years from the date of notification, unless modified, superseded or withdrawn earlier by the state government.
The policy marks an important step in Assam's efforts to build on its historic position in India's petroleum sector and develop a modern, competitive and investment-friendly upstream ecosystem.
Responding to Puri's post, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked the Union Minister for his appreciation and said Assam was determined to build on its legacy in hydrocarbon exploration through continued innovation.
"Assam's first-mover advantage in hydrocarbon exploration gave us a head start, but we don't intend to rest on it - continuous innovation is what will keep us ahead," Sarma said.
The Chief Minister said Assam would continue to build on its hydrocarbon legacy and contribute towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat.