Cairn Oil & Gas, a unit of Vedanta Group, has inked a strategic agreement with Parker Wellbore—recently acquired by Nabors Industries—to ramp up exploration and production (E&P) activities in Barmer, Rajasthan, its largest onshore asset in India.

Under the contract, Cairn will deploy a high-performance 2000 HP drilling rig this month. The advanced rig comes equipped with a top drive system, automated pipe handling, and real-time data monitoring, aimed at maximising efficiency, ensuring safer operations, and delivering superior drilling performance.

The move supports Cairn’s broader strategy to enhance production, tap into unconventional reserves, and explore assets like Deepwater, Tight Oil, ASP, Shale, and blocks in the Northeast. The company has a robust petroleum system with proven source rock and viable oil plays across multiple grabens.

Cairn contributes around 25% of India’s domestic crude production and is actively seeking partnerships with global oil majors to support its growth ambitions.

The collaboration was formalised during a leadership meet at CERAWeek in Houston, signalling stronger global engagement to support India’s energy security.