India, US Announce Joint Task Force on Natural Gas

India and the US have announced the formation of a joint task force on natural gas aimed at increasing the share of gas in India’s primary energy mix.

The announcement was made by US Secretary of Energy, Mr. Rick Perry. “This task force will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23. Cooperation across the energy sector must be the cornerstone of our relationship,” he said.

“The task force provides a team of US and Indian industry experts with a mandate to propose, develop, and convey, innovative policy recommendations to the Government of India in support of its vision for natural gas in the country’s economy. The work of the task force is expected to advance the strategic and economic interests of both the US and India,” an official statement said.

Mr. Perry and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, also held discussions that outlined their vision for a Strategic Energy Partnership. “Under the Partnership, the US and India will pursue four primary pillars of cooperation. These are oil and gas; power and energy efficiency; renewable energy and sustainable growth; and coal. Both parties may consider establishing additional pillars of cooperation based on mutual agreement,” the statement added.