The offshore drilling tenders in India are witnessing renewed momentum as the country intensifies efforts to boost domestic hydrocarbon production and reduce import dependence. According to Indian Petroplus, India’s upstream sector is entering a high-investment phase, with national oil companies and private players exploring new opportunities in deepwater and ultra-deepwater basins.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL) have been at the forefront of issuing offshore drilling tenders for rigs, vessels, and subsea equipment. These tenders aim to expand exploration and production (E&P) activities across the Krishna-Godavari (KG), Mumbai High, and Mahanadi basins, as well as frontier areas in the Andaman Sea. The government’s open acreage licensing policy and recent bid rounds under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) have further encouraged participation from global service providers and drilling contractors.

Indian Petroplus highlights that the rising number of offshore drilling tenders in India reflects a strategic shift toward deeper and more complex reservoirs. With advancements in drilling technology, digital well monitoring, and enhanced reservoir management, companies are targeting improved recovery rates and lower exploration risks. Additionally, the increased availability of jack-up rigs and semi-submersibles through long-term charter contracts is helping operators accelerate project timelines.

India’s focus on maximizing domestic output aligns with its broader energy security vision and net-zero ambitions. Offshore drilling projects are expected to play a crucial role in sustaining production levels and supporting downstream operations like refining and LNG development.As offshore drilling tenders in India continue to expand, international collaboration, transparent bidding, and technology adoption will be key to unlocking the country’s untapped offshore potential, Drilling Tenders, EandP India, Upstream India, Offshore Bidding, Energy India, Hydrocarbon India.