Vedanta Oil & Gas has entered into a strategic partnership with Exceed, a Kent-based well management and engineering specialist, to advance exploration in the KG-DWHP-2017/1 deepwater block in the Krishna-Godavari Basin off India’s east coast. The block contains multiple prospects at water depths ranging from approximately 600 metres to 2,000 metres. The exploration and appraisal collaboration is part of Vedanta Oil & Gas’s strategy to develop India’s offshore hydrocarbon resources and strengthen domestic energy security. The block has four existing gas discoveries, while the company is also evaluating the Vermilion prospect as a distinct play with further exploration potential. Under the agreement, Exceed will provide integrated support covering subsurface evaluation, well planning, drilling readiness and operational management. Vedanta Oil & Gas has planned a multi-well exploration drilling campaign that is expected to begin early next year, following project planning, engineering and operational-readiness activities. Vedanta Oil & Gas said the KG programme supports efforts to increase domestic hydrocarbon production and reduce dependence on imports. The company has also secured the KG/DWDSF/GD10/2025 block under the DSF IV bidding round, expanding its offshore position and supporting its broader deepwater development strategy. The company holds more than 4,600 sq km of offshore deepwater acreage in the KG Basin. It has merged and reprocessed 3,800 sq km of 3D seismic data using advanced processing technologies, completed a 3D controlled source electromagnetic survey with EMGS and partnered with TechnipFMC on an integrated subsea infrastructure framework. Vedanta Oil & Gas operates under the Cairn brand and holds interests in 45 blocks covering more than 47,000 sq km across India. Its portfolio includes producing, development and exploration assets in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam, supported by subsurface studies, deepwater technologies and engineering capabilities. The company said the partnership would combine Exceed’s international deepwater experience with its execution capabilities to progress exploration and future resource development.