The conference served as a global platform for businesses to present cutting-edge innovations and strategies to industry leaders, decision-makers, and financiers, spanning the entire energy value chain. It included major technology providers, energy suppliers, and groundbreaking start-ups. Under the theme, “Transforming Energy Through Vision, Innovation, and Action’’, the event provided a premier platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and energy professionals to explore the pivotal role of natural gas and LNG in enhancing energy security and reducing emissions.

This was the first time an India Pavilion at Gastech was established to showcase the Oil and Gas industry in India under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG).  Senior MoP&NG officials, along with leaders from public sector oil companies, were also present, representing India’s growing role in the global energy landscape.

The Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) co-ordinated to set-up the India Pavilion on behalf of the Indian Oil & Gas industry in Gastech 2024. India’s major oil & gas companies viz., ONGC, IOCL, BPCL, OIL, GAIL, EIL, PLL and IGL participated and displayed their technologies & facilities to the global community during the event.

On 17th September, 2024, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas , Shri Hardeep S Puri along with ministers from varied nations, namely, HE Karim Badawi (Egypt), HE Alparslan Bayraktar (Türkiye), Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo (Nigeria), and the US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Mr. Geoffrey Pyatt participated in the conference’s first Ministerial panel on the topic “From mitigation to adaptation: Navigating volatile geopolitics in a fragmenting global order”.

Highlighting measures taken by India towards energy self-sufficiency, the Hon’ble Minister mentioned that in today’s global world, emerging markets are reshaping the global energy landscape with nearly 80 percent of the increase in global energy demand by 2045 coming from emerging economies. He highlighted that India's energy demand is expected to rise at a compounded annual growth rate of about 3 percent per annum by 2040 and it is estimated to double by 2050. This surge in demand is driving substantial investments in both conventional and renewable energy sources, thus adopting a pragmatic & balanced approach that underscores climate commitments while safeguarding national interests.

Further, India's efforts to increase domestic production and diversify energy supplies were also mentioned. The Hon’ble Minister cited initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance, emphasizing the role of global partnerships in accelerating clean energy deployment.

During the day, Chairman and CEO, ONGC & Chairman, FIPI along with CMDs from member companies welcomed Shri Hardeep S Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas at India Pavilion. Shri Hardeep S Puri inaugurated the India Pavilion at Gastech 2024 in the presence of senior officials from the Indian oil & gas companies, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and the Indian Embassy. 

Later in the day, the Hon’ble Minister participated in the session on the topic - “IEW 2025: Energy transformation through innovation and investment” with Moderator Mr. Gaurav Sharma, Energy Market Analyst & Forbes Senior Contributor. He mentioned that building on the success of two editions, inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, the third edition of India Energy Week is set to take place between 11 – 14 February 2025 in Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. He said that India Energy Week will convene the global energy industry to address the most pressing challenges facing the sector, offering an influential platform for collaboration and innovation that will shape the future of energy worldwide.

During the day, the Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep S Puri had various meetings with heads of international energy organizations and CEOs of global oil & gas companies viz; Mr. Joseph McMonigle, Secretary of the International Energy Forum; Mr. Michael Lewis, CEO Uniper Energy; Mr. Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman & CEO, Baker Hughes and Mr. Ganesh Ramaswamy, Executive Vice President of Industrial & Energy Technology at Baker Hughes; Mr. Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary, US Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM); Mr. Russell Hardy, CEO at Vitol Services ltd; Ms. Meg O‘Neill, CEO Woodside Energy; Mr Vimal Kapur Chairman & CEO, Honeywell.  The discussions highlighted India's commitment to achieve net zero by 2070, and further discussed collaboration in LNG and hydrogen technologies as well as CCUS and other low carbon transition strategies, to move towards the path of decarbonisation.  The meetings continued to serve as a key forum for fostering international collaboration and innovation in the energy sector.

On 18th September, 2024, the Hon’ble Minister met representatives of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF); & Captains of the Industry at a Roundtable meeting with USIBC & USISPF at Gastech 2024 in Houston discussing the significance of the US-India energy partnership. During the meeting, the Hon’ble Minister emphasized the strengthening of ties between India and the US in the energy sector, driven by collaboration between institutions and companies from both nations. He said that the US is now India's sixth-largest energy trade partner, with hydrocarbon trade valued at USD 2.43 billion in the first two months of FY 2024-25. He highlighted that India and the USA bilateral energy cooperation have had a monumental impact on their trade relations and will continue to soar in years to come.  

The minister also supported the campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' by planting a sapling at the Consulate General of India  as a symbol of reverence for the mother nature.

Further, the conference witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Indian and American energy companies, which promised to enhance sustainable energy development and technological advancements. The partnership is expected to bolster India's energy resilience and drive progress toward a low-carbon future.

India’s participation at Gastech 2024 is a testament to its commitment towards collaboration, innovation, and advancement to a stable, secure, and affordable energy transformation. India showed its potential as a key player, showcasing the strengths and potential of the country’s energy sector to a global audience and served as a platform to invite investment and collaboration.

India’s dedicated energy pavilion was highly appreciated by everyone as it showcased various business opportunities to people from all facets of the oil and gas industry.  India Pavilion won the “Best International Pavilion Award” at Gastech 2024”.  With India emerging as one of the largest economies in the world, heavy footfall was witnessed in India Pavilion from conference participants, visitors of exhibition, researchers, and innovators.

The event thus served as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and close collaboration. It brought together individuals, companies, and countries to explore new markets and build the frameworks they need to forge cross-border partnerships and initiatives that would have a tangible impact on the energy transition.