Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlights $500 billion energy investment opportunity and landmark India–EU trade agreement; Dr. Sultan Al Jaber calls reliable partnerships the “real strategic reserve” in an era of transformation.

Jan 28- India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 officially opened today in Goa, bringing together global policymakers, energy ministers, CEOs, investors and innovators to shape the future of energy security, sustainability and growth.

With representatives from nearly 125 countries, the opening day included key speeches from leading global figures, highlighting India’s influence at a time when global energy systems are undergoing transformation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: India’s energy moment has arrived

Addressing the inaugural ceremony via video conferencing, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi welcomed global delegates and emphasised the importance of India Energy Week as a key forum for shaping a secure and sustainable future.

“India is a land of immense opportunities for the energy sector,” the Prime Minister said. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India’s demand for energy is rising continuously – and at the same time, India offers the capacity and capability to help meet global demand.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s expanding role in global energy markets – India is among the top five exporters of petroleum products, supplying more than 150 countries worldwide. He emphasised the opportunities for India’s large refining base – currently the world’s second largest.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the landmark Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, describing it as a remarkable example of coordination between two of the world’s largest economies.

This agreement represents nearly one-quarter of global GDP and around one-third of global trade, Shri Modi said. Beyond trade, it reinforces India’s shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

In addition to Europe, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s expanding international engagement, including discussions with Canada on strengthening cooperation across the energy value chain. Discussions between Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri were held on the first day.

Outlining India’s ambition, Prime Minister Modi said the country was moving beyond energy security towards the mission of energy independence, supported by wide-ranging reforms, deep-sea exploration initiatives, LNG infrastructure expansion and rapid growth in city gas distribution.

“Our energy sector lies at the heart of India’s aspirations,” he said. “It holds $500 billion in investment opportunities. That is why Make in India. Innovate in India. Scale with India. Invest in India.”

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber: “Reliable partnerships are the real strategic reserves”

Another key speaker at the opening day was Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC. He urged industry leaders to look beyond short-term volatility and focus on the scale of opportunity created by rising global energy demand.

In an era of constant change, reliable partnerships are the real strategic reserves, Dr. Al Jaber said. “Transformation rewards those who move boldly, not those who wait for calm seas.”

Dr. Al Jaber described today’s energy landscape as being shaped by the rise of emerging markets, exponential growth in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, and the transformation of global energy systems – trends that converge in India.

Between now and 2040, oil demand will remain above 100 million barrels per day, he said. Demand for LNG and electricity will grow by 50 percent or more.

Highlighting India’s central role in global energy growth, Dr. Al Jaber noted that over the next 15 years India’s air travel is expected to grow by 150 percent, its urban population will approach one billion, and data centre capacity will increase ten-fold.

“Progress and growth at this scale require a special kind of partnership,” he said. “Partnership that is strategic, long-term, agile and flexible – steadfast, dependable, principled and consistent. This is precisely what defines the UAE-India relationship.”

He reaffirmed ADNOC’s commitment to India, noting that India is the UAE’s number one LNG market, ADNOC is India’s largest LPG supplier, and a reliable provider of crude, feedstocks and chemicals.

Natural gas critical to reducing emissions

Also on the first day of India Energy Week, a high level leadership panel examined the evolving role of natural gas and LNG in strengthening energy resilience, supporting economic growth and enabling a realistic and inclusive energy transition amid geopolitical uncertainty.

The panel included Shri Arvinder Singh Sahney, Chairman, IndianOil Corporation Limited, Shri Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, GAIL (India) Limited, Ms Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO, ADNOC Gas, and Mr Steven Kobos, President & CEO, Excelerate Energy. Panellists underscored that natural gas and LNG are increasingly emerging as long-term, foundational components of modern energy systems and that the energy transition must be approached as energy addition rather than abrupt replacement.

Hydrogen Zone inauguration

India’s Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the Hydrogen Zone on Day One of India Energy Week. The Hydrogen Zone, one of 11 thematic zones at this year’s event, showcases cutting-edge hydrogen technologies and solutions shaping India’s low-carbon future.

A platform for global collaboration

India Energy Week 2026 continues throughout the week with ministerial dialogues, executive roundtables, strategic agreements and technology showcases – reinforcing India’s position as a global convenor for energy insights and a catalyst for investment, innovation and partnership.