Centre Rules Out Middle East-India Deepwater Pipeline Proposal, Says No Project Under Consideration
Petroleum Ministry clarifies that no discussions or negotiations are underway with Oman or other Gulf nations regarding the proposed deep-sea energy corridor
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has categorically denied reports suggesting that the Government of India is pursuing a proposed deep-sea energy pipeline connecting India with Gulf nations, clarifying that no such project is currently under consideration.
In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry said it had taken note of media reports claiming that India was actively exploring a deepwater energy corridor, commonly referred to as the Middle East-India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP), linking Gujarat with Oman and other Gulf countries.
Rejecting the speculation, MoPNG stated that there is no proposal under examination by the Ministry and that no discussions or negotiations are underway with Oman or any other Gulf nation regarding such a project.
“There are no active discussions or negotiations with Oman or any other Gulf countries on this project at any level in this Ministry,” the clarification noted.
The Ministry further emphasized that the statement was being issued to put all speculation on the matter to rest.
The clarification comes amid heightened interest in India’s long-term energy security strategy and reports highlighting the potential of undersea pipeline projects to strengthen energy connectivity between India and hydrocarbon-rich Gulf nations. The proposed MEIDP concept has been discussed in industry circles for several years as a possible route for transporting natural gas directly from the Gulf region to India’s western coast.
India remains heavily dependent on imports to meet its crude oil and natural gas requirements, with Gulf countries continuing to account for a significant share of the nation’s energy supplies. While New Delhi has consistently sought to deepen energy cooperation with key partners in the region, the Ministry’s statement confirms that no deepwater pipeline project is currently on the government’s agenda.
The clarification is expected to provide certainty to stakeholders, energy companies, and industry observers following widespread media reports regarding the feasibility and status of the proposed pipeline project.
