Bahlil Says India Interested in Entering Oil and Gas Investment in Indonesia

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has revealed that India wishes to expand energy sector cooperation with Indonesia, ranging from oil and gas investment to the continuation of coal trade. Bahlil said the government welcomes this interest as part of strengthening the long-standing bilateral relationship between Indonesia and India. “Regarding cooperation with India, there are several extensions they want to enter in the oil and gas sector,” Bahlil said after accompanying President Prabowo Subianto in receiving a state visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Merdeka Palace on Tuesday (7/7/2026). In addition to the oil and gas sector, Bahlil stated that India remains one of the main export destinations for Indonesian coal. According to him, both countries had discussed the continuation of this cooperation even a few days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Jakarta. “We know that one of our coal export destination countries is India. We have been doing that since 2 to 3 days ago before the Prime Minister’s arrival,” he said. Although opening up opportunities for increased coal exports, Bahlil stressed that its realisation would depend on the needs of the Indian market. “It depends on their needs. But in principle, we give priority because they are a friendly country,” he said. He added that the relationship between Indonesia and India has a long historical bond, which was even established before Indonesia’s independence through cultural exchange and inter-community interaction. Therefore, the government is committed to continuing to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, including in the energy sector. Regarding oil and gas investment, Bahlil revealed that an Indian state-owned enterprise (BUMN) is the party interested in expanding cooperation with Indonesia. According to him, the company will partner with PT Pertamina (Persero) in developing oil and gas projects. “Their BUMN. They are partners with Pertamina,” he said. Bahlil also touched upon cooperation between Indonesian oil and gas companies and Indian partners operating in the industrial sector. However, he has not yet detailed the form or value of the investment being explored. “In the industry,” Bahlil said when asked about the form of cooperation.