NRIs form energy advisory group

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston has established an Indian-American Energy Advisory Group to help India explore new oil and gas fields, given its rapidly increasing energy needs.

With crude oil prices touching new highs of over $62 a barrel and India's energy consumption rising rapidly, the group will help India explore new oil and gas fields and improve the recovery from existing fields in the country.

Renowned neuro-surgeon and outgoing president of the chamber Randhir Sinha announced the formation of the group at its sixth annual gala night on Saturday, which was organized to celebrate the achievements of Indian-Americans.

The initial focus of the group would be on oil and gas exploration and production industry, Sinha told PTI.

The major objective would be to generate a talent map in the energy sector which could be matched with India's priorities and prepare a priority list of issues in consultation with Indian entities.

The group, comprising Indian-Americans with expertise, knowledge and experience in the oil and gas industry, was formed at the initiative of former Consul General Skand R Tayal, Vijay Goradia, Chairman of chemical company VINMAR and IACCGH Board.

It will enhance the technical expertise and capabilities of India's energy sector by creating a database of domain experts to interact with Indian entities on cutting edge technology.

Sinha said the proposal to form the group was discussed in detail with Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar during his visit to Houston early this year.

The minister strongly endorsed the initiative to harness the skills of Indo-American experts to advise the ministry on policy and technical issues.

Subsequently, the concept was given a concrete shape in discussions with secretary (petroleum and natural gas) S C Tripathi and director general V K Sibal.

The group will strive to prepare sets of recommendations for the consideration of the Indian entity and create opportunities for executives and experts working in Houston-based companies to interact with their peers in India.

It will also help to convey India's potential as a source as well as consumer of petroleum, gas and oil products among the senior management and business development professionals of major as well as mid-sized and small service companies in Houston.

The group would work closely with the Consulate General of India in Houston and would have access to designated senior officials in the ministry of oil and gas of India and major Indian entities such as the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.