The work under the MoU will be carried out in three phases. This will lead to a joint technical study for potential collaboration areas.

Vice President Asia Pacific ExxonMobil, Michael Deal, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with ONGC and apply our collective expertise to be an even bigger part of India’s bright energy future”.

ONGC CMD, Shashi Shanker, said: “This meaningful partnership with EXXONMobil will be a step towards unlocking value in ONGC PEL offshore blocks, study open acreage areas and enable us to get closer to meeting Country’s energy aspirations”.