India, U.S. discuss energy cooperation

India has discussed energy cooperation with U.S. along with New Delhi's growing needs, export of Liquefied natural gas (LNG) from early 2018, Indian investment in LNG and Shale sector in America.

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan discussed these with his newly appointed counterpart Rick Perry in Washington.

This was the first minister-level interaction between India and U.S. under the new administration.

Pradhan, who is on a three-city visit, also travelled to Boston and Houston.

He attended the CERA Week in Houston where he announced the new bidding round in India that will start from July 2017.

The minister highlighted that India is a prosperous market under strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and welcomed investment in oil sector in India.

On the margins of CERA Week, the minister also met his counterpart Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Russia, Sri Lanka, Canada and CEO of ADNOC (State company of UAE).

He also met several industry leaders and experts like Bob Dudley (CEO,BP) and Fatih Birol (Executive Director,IEA). He also met Governor of Texas Mr Greg Abbott.

During his visit to Boston, Pradhan addressed students and faculty of three leading academic institutions, namely MIT, Harvard Kennedy School and Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Pradhan also met Indian community at both Boston and Houston including scientists of Indian origin.