New Delhi, India – The Indian government has dismissed recent media reports suggesting that it is actively pursuing a deep-sea energy corridor project connecting the state of Gujarat with Oman and other countries in the Gulf region.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a clarification, stating that there are “no active discussions or negotiations with Oman or any other Gulf countries” on such a project at any level within the ministry. The ministry emphasized that no such proposal is currently under its consideration.
Proposed Middle East-India Deepwater Pipeline
The clarification comes in response to reports that highlighted a potential revival of the Middle East-India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP). This ambitious project, which has been on the drawing board for over three decades, aimed to transport natural gas directly from Oman to Gujarat via an underwater pipeline.
According to the speculative reports, the proposed Oman-Gujarat Deep-Sea Gas Pipeline was estimated to cost around ₹40,000 crore (approximately $4.8 billion USD) and would stretch nearly 2,000 kilometers across the Arabian Sea. Parts of the route were said to lie more than 3,000 meters below sea level, making it one of the deepest subsea pipeline projects ever contemplated.
Addressing Energy Security Concerns
Proponents of such a pipeline have often cited energy security as a primary driver, particularly in light of potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy transit route. A direct pipeline could reduce India's reliance on shipping routes for its gas imports.
However, the project has historically faced significant hurdles, including prohibitively high construction costs, complex technological challenges associated with deep-sea installation, and concerns over commercial viability. Previous proposals estimated transportation costs in the range of $2-$2.25 per MMBtu, subject to financing arrangements and future gas prices.
The ministry's unequivocal statement on June 16, 2026, puts to rest, for now, any speculation about the immediate progression of this long-discussed deep-sea energy link.