India increases fuel output amid Middle East conflict

India's Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, confirmed that India has been significantly affected by the war in the Middle East, prompting it to bolster fuel production through the launch of new exploration projects in areas such as Andaman and Nicobar. Despite its limited oil production, which reached 26 million cubic meters in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, India is seeking to increase reliance on exploration and drilling to boost its supplies and reduce dependence on imports from countries like Iran and Venezuela. The government is also focusing on projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to enhance military and commercial infrastructure, as energy demand continues to rise steadily.