Introduction :

India has 26 sedimentary basins spanning 3.14 million sq. km of which 1.35 million sq. km. is deep water(beyond 200m isobath). A substantial part is un explored or poorly explored, with a well density of less than 1 well per 250 sq km.

Till late eighties the entire upstream activity was concentrated in ONGC & OIL � - the two National Oil Companies(NOC�s) , and the acreage was given on a nomination basis. In 1990�s some unexplored as well as discovered areas were opened for international competitive bidding, and PSC regime was experimented with. This led to pronouncement of New Exploration & Licensing Policy(NELP) in 1998. Since then the practice of nomination has been stopped, and the entire acreage is given through competitive bidding under NELP rounds.

In India, the ownership of all mineral resources (including oil & gas) vests with the central government. It is administered through Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas(MOPNG).

Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) is responsible to promote sound management of Indian Hydrocarbon Resources having a balanced regard for environment, safety, technological and economic aspects. It plays a significant role in monitoring the upstream, contract management and regulation. It is also the technical advisor to the Government on all technical matters dealing with upstream.

DGHis also responsible for creating a National Data Repository, and a National KnowledgeHub(NHK)

An Oil Industry Safety Directorate(OISD) has been formed which is expected to play an increasing role in HSE aspects.

An Oil Industry Development Board(OIDB) exists, to encourage the upstream activities. These have till date been limited to NOC�s, DGH etc.

To coordinate the activities of different agencies/ministries involved with energy , there exists an Energy Coordination Committee in the Prime Ministers Office(PMO).

Government of India published a Hydrocarbon Vision 2025, which lays the broad contours/targets for the development of Hydrocarbons.

The activities of upstream companies are governed by the Indian laws.

Thee Upstream activities in India include On land Offshore & Deepwater E&P Coal Bed Methane(CBM) and a National Gas Hydrate(NGHP).

Presently 40 companies are participating in the upstream E&P activities in India , of which 23 are actually operating .