The NewsRoom
Release: 4027
Date: August 24, 2009

MMS Signs Memorandum of Understanding with India’s Directorate General of Hydrocarbons

WASHINGTON, D.C.  The Minerals Management Service (MMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) today. The non-binding MOU facilitates the exchange of resource development and management information to address issues of mutual interest related to offshore oil, gas, and mineral resources.

MMS Associate Director Greg Gould and Deputy Director General DGH S.K. Srivastava signed the MOU during a joint meeting in Houston, Texas.

“We look forward to continuing the strong working relationship that MMS has with our partners in India,” said MMS Director Liz Birnbaum. “I’m confident that the information exchange will benefit both countries as we each share our best practices in order to continue developing resources in a safe and responsible manner.”

“This is the beginning of many years of close cooperation between the DGH and MMS, specifically on methane hydrate research,” said Director General DGH V.K. Sibal.

The objectives of this agreement are to share best practices in leasing activities, resource evaluation, and methane hydrate research and development. The MMS will continue to meet with India’s DGH to discuss items of mutual interest, exchange specialists, cooperate on research projects, and hold joint training classes and conferences.

The agreement will adhere to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the United States and India.

Contact:
   Leann Bullin   (703) 787-1755

MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for America
U.S. Department of the Interior

Last Updated: 09/17/2010, 05:10 PM Central Time