India is the partner country at Russian Energy Week for the first time, and its stand in Moscow is built to present the country as an open, long-term energy partner across oil, gas and new fuels.

The official opening of India’s stand at the forum was attended by Nikhilesh Giri, Deputy Head of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Russia; Vladimir Khazov, Deputy Director of the Department for International Cooperation at Russia’s Ministry of Energy; Artem Ukolov of the Russian Trade Representation in India; and Vladimir Zatynayko, deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation, along with representatives of ministries and agencies from both countries. Russian Energy Week is supported by the Russian government, its Ministry of Energy and the Moscow City Government, and is organised by the Roscongress Foundation.

The stand uses an interactive display with holographic cylinders to walk visitors through partnership opportunities in exploration and production, oil refining and petrochemicals, and new energy: hydrogen, compressed biogas and sustainable aviation fuel. The organisers say the aim is to present India as a reliable and consistent partner open to cooperation across the whole energy sector, and the stand is meant as a platform for discussing joint work on conventional and renewable energy, energy efficiency, infrastructure and technology transfer.

Eight Indian companies are on the stand, brought by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industries (FIPI), which represents India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Limited cover exploration and production. Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation handle refining and marketing. GAIL (India) Limited is represented for natural gas transmission and distribution, and Engineers India Limited for engineering and consultancy to the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors.

Zatynayko, who is also director of Russian Energy Week, said: “This year, India is participating as a partner country in Russian Energy Week for the first time. I would like to thank the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industries (FIPI), representing India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, for accepting our invitation and bringing projects from eight of their country’s leading companies to Moscow. The three days of the Forum provide companies with an opportunity to discuss new projects and identify areas of mutual interest for further cooperation. We look forward to seeing our Indian colleagues again at the anniversary Forum next year.”

Khazov said: “The partnership between Russia and India in the energy sector is long-term and strategic in nature. Joint projects help to strengthen the energy security of both countries and lay the foundations for the sustainable development of the sector under new economic conditions.”