OREANDA-NEWS. A delegation led by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum & Natural Gas, is visiting Mexico and Columbia on May 18 – 21, 2015 to foster mutual cooperation in the area of hydrocarbons and to seek long-term linkages for the nation’s energy security.During the visit, Shri Pradhan will meet his counterparts as well as leaders of the hydrocarbon industry in both the Latin American countries. The Indian delegation comprises senior Ministry officials, Chairman of IndianOil, Managing Director of ONGC Videsh Ltd., and Senior official from Director General of Hydrocarbon.

The visit of the Indian delegation is important in the wake of the economic and demographic growth of India, which has caused a spurt in its energy requirements necessitating increased imports and energy partnerships with important hydrocarbon producing countries. Mexico and Columbia are very important economic and energy partners of India in this context. ONGC Videsh has 7 oil and gas blocks in Colombia and India imports about 10 Million Metric Ton of crude oil from these two countries