In a notable session at India Energy Week 2025, top oil and gas companies emphasized India's evolution into a strategic destination for Global Capability Centres. The discussion, held during a session on oil and gas R&D, showcased companies like ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, BP, and SLB, all of which are integrating their global operations with local research and development initiatives in India.
Industry executives shared firsthand accounts of India’s competitive advantages. Monte Dobson, CEO of ExxonMobil India, pointed to the abundance of skilled talent, while Shell’s VP of Engineering Technology, Ajay Mehta, remarked that while wage differences once drove decision-making, they have become less significant than the country's innovation capabilities. Shell’s facilities in Chennai and Bengaluru now serve 35 global assets with a focus on high-level engineering and digital technology solutions.
The rapid expansion of these centres is highlighted by BP Group’s facility, which has grown to house over 4,000 personnel since 2021. Varsha Singh, VP of GBS India at BP Group, noted the centre’s essential role in driving developments in digital twins and advanced analytics, reflecting India's growing influence on the digital front in the energy sector.
Similarly, SLB has shown impressive growth since establishing its first centre in 2006, now employing around 5,000 professionals across five centres. This expansion underscores the sustained potential within India’s Global Capability Centre ecosystem. Dr. Alok Sharma from IndianOil Corporation Limited also mentioned strides in R&D, with the company pushing forward on sustainable energy initiatives including biofuels and fuel cell technology.
Leaders in the sector also discussed the global forecast for the energy equipment market, predicted to reach $200 billion by 2030, an outlook that positions India to significantly increase its global market share through its expanding R&D and innovation capabilities.