Algerian Radio
The Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining, Mr. Mohamed Arkab, discussed today, Tuesday, in Algiers, with the Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India in Charge of Cooperation with Countries of the South, Ms. Neena Malhotra, ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons, mining, and seawater desalination, according to a ministry statement.
The same source explained that the meeting took place at the Ministry's headquarters within the framework of the Indian official's official visit to Algeria on the occasion of the 7th session of the Algerian-Indian political consultations. It was attended by the Indian Ambassador to Algeria, the Algerian Ambassador to India, and the Secretary of State to the Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining in Charge of Mining, Ms. Karima Bekir Tafer, alongside several sector executives.
The statement added that both sides praised, on this occasion, the historical relations and the bonds of friendship and cooperation uniting Algeria and India, as well as the positive dynamic witnessed in bilateral relations. This is particularly notable following the state visit by the President of the Republic of India, Ms. Droupadi Murmu, to Algeria in October 2024, which featured valuable talks with the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The talks, according to the same source, focused on opportunities to develop bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector. Mr. Arkab presented the available investment opportunities, inviting Indian companies to contribute to oil and gas projects across their various stages, from upstream to downstream, particularly in the areas of exploration, production, infrastructure development, and engineering.
The Indian side also expressed interest in enhancing commercial cooperation with the Sonatrach Group, especially in the marketing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petroleum products, the statement noted.
The discussions also covered partnership prospects in the petrochemical industries, fertilizer production, and phosphate processing, in addition to cooperation opportunities in the mining sector. This includes research, exploration, and the exploitation of mineral resources, as well as geological studies, mapping, and training.
In this framework, the Minister of State expressed Algeria's aspiration for Indian companies to contribute to the development of new mining projects. Meanwhile, the Indian side affirmed its country's interest in expanding areas of cooperation with Algeria, specifically in the fields of hydrocarbons and mining, through the exchange of expertise and technology transfer. This aims to support the bilateral partnership and maximize the utilization of both countries' available capabilities, according to the same source.
