Former ONGC Expert Kris Sishtla Addresses Webinar On India Hydrocarbon Future
HYDERABAD — A specialized webinar focusing on India’s untapped hydrocarbon frontiers and future energy needs was held on June 1, 2026, drawing more than 160 participants from industry, academia, and student communities.
The virtual event, titled 'Untapped Hydrocarbon Frontiers – A Forward-Looking Perspective for India', was organized by AvaniXplore LLP in collaboration with EarthScholar Professional Academy and MindSpark Learning Hub. The session aimed to address the growing importance of petroleum exploration and the diversification of hydrocarbon sourcing to meet India's energy requirements.
During the event, Kris Sishtla, a former senior expert with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), delivered the keynote address. Sishtla shared detailed insights into the country’s hydrocarbon potential and highlighted emerging exploration frontiers. He also spoke about the critical energy security challenges currently facing India.
In his address, Sishtla emphasized the urgent need for innovative exploration strategies and the integration of interdisciplinary research to address India's future energy demands. He outlined various opportunities in basin analysis and resource management that could help secure the nation's long-term energy outlook.
The webinar was coordinated by Dr. Mahender Kotha, the Founding Partner of AvaniXplore LLP, along with R Renuka, the Co-founder of MindSpark Learning Hub. The organizers structured the online event to foster active discussions between established industry veterans and the next generation of energy professionals.
According to the coordinators, the event attracted a diverse audience of over 160 participants. This cohort included more than 130 students alongside over 30 professionals from various academic institutions and industrial sectors in India and abroad.
The interactive session served as an engaging platform for participants to discuss critical topics. The discussions primarily centered on identifying new petroleum exploration zones and analyzing geological basins. Participants and speakers also explored the various dimensions of hydrocarbon resource management, which remains a key pillar for India's future energy security.
