Oil & Gas

India’s leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) importers are in advanced discussions to secure long-term supply agreements with US exporters, just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington. Companies such as Indian Oil Corp. are reportedly in talks with major US suppliers, including Cheniere Energy Inc., to enhance their LNG procurement from the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The negotiations are taking place on the sidelines of the India Energy Week conference in Delhi, where Indian buyers are scheduled to meet with American suppliers. With pressure from the Indian government to finalize deals, companies are expected to push for the most favorable terms before committing to long-term contracts. While India’s Ministry of External Affairs has yet to comment, Cheniere Energy and Indian Oil have remained silent on the ongoing discussions.

Modi’s visit to Washington is widely seen as an effort to strengthen US-India trade ties and appease Trump’s administration. India’s willingness to consider LNG imports aligns with similar commitments made by Japan, whose Prime Minister recently pledged to increase US LNG purchases to mitigate trade imbalances. Additionally, Modi has signaled cooperation with Trump’s policies, agreeing to the repatriation of undocumented Indian migrants and reaffirming India’s commitment to using the US dollar in trade.

With the US holding its position as the world’s largest LNG exporter and India’s growing demand for cleaner energy sources, discussions between Indian firms and American suppliers have intensified. Other nations, including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union, are also exploring increased LNG imports from the US to ease trade tensions. However, uncertainties remain over how many deals will materialize, as immediate LNG supply remains limited, and new contracts would likely take effect in the coming years.