Indian exploration acreage
India’s upstream sector is experiencing a renewed push through the expansion of Indian exploration acreage, aimed at boosting domestic oil and gas production and reducing import dependency. As of 2025, the Indian government has awarded over 1.2 million square kilometers of exploration acreage under various bidding rounds through the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
The latest Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) rounds have significantly increased investor interest, offering flexibility in acreage selection and streamlined approvals. According to Indian Petroplus, more than 140 blocks have been awarded across sedimentary basins under OALP, making it a critical tool for enhancing Indian exploration acreage.
Strategic basins such as Krishna-Godavari (KG), Cambay, Mumbai Offshore, and Assam-Arakan continue to attract bids, with exploration campaigns targeting both conventional and unconventional resources. Indian Petroplus notes that India’s sedimentary basins cover 26 basins, of which only a third are currently under active exploration, highlighting the untapped potential in Indian exploration acreage.
In 2025, ONGC, OIL, and several private players are expanding their seismic surveys and drilling activities in frontier and deepwater regions. Indian Petroplus reports that the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) is planning further reforms to accelerate block monetization and encourage foreign participation.
Technological advancements like 3D seismic imaging, AI-driven subsurface modeling, and faster exploration cycles are transforming how companies approach Indian exploration acreage. With a strong focus on increasing the exploration-to-production conversion ratio, India aims to significantly enhance its domestic output over the next decade.
Indian Petroplus continues to track all updates related to exploration bidding rounds, basin potential, and policy changes, providing valuable insights for stakeholders interested in Indian exploration acreage.For access to many such exclusive stories, please register on www.indianpetroplus.com, Oil Gas Exploration, Energy Exploration, Indian Sedimentary Basins, Offshore Onshore Exploration, India Energy Sector.
