India has demonstrated strong preparedness to navigate prolonged geopolitical volatility in global energy markets while remaining central to global energy dialogue, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said at the closing ceremony of India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 in Goa.Speaking during the closing fireside chat, Shri Puri said India’s energy strategy is anchored in diversification, resilience and forward-looking transitions. He noted that successive geopolitical shocks have been converted into opportunities through diversified supply sources and a calibrated transition towards cleaner fuels.Highlighting India’s global standing, the Minister said the country is now the world’s third-largest energy consumer, fourth-largest refiner and among the leading exporters of petroleum products. He reiterated that India will continue to ensure energy availability, affordability and sustainability despite global uncertainty.Following the Minister, Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, outlined the government’s roadmap to support projected economic growth of over seven per cent. He emphasised strengthening domestic exploration and production to enhance energy self-reliance, while positioning India as a reliable global supplier of refined products. He also highlighted the increasing role of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and logistics optimisation across the energy value chain.The concluding day of IEW 2026 also featured awards recognising innovation and leadership across startups, academia and industry. Under the AVINYA – The Energy Startup Challenge, Minimines Cleantech Solutions was recognised for its low-carbon recovery technology for high-value materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. The VASUDHA – Overseas Upstream Startup Challenge was won by SENERGETICS of The Netherlands for its AI-driven corrosion monitoring solutions, while the Hackathon Challenge was won by IIT Bombay for an AI-powered reservoir analysis platform.Industry excellence was acknowledged through the FIPI/IIP Annual Awards, with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation named Exploration Company of the Year and Oil India Limited awarded Oil & Gas Production Company of the Year. Reliance Industries received Refinery of the Year for its Jamnagar SEZ Refinery, while innovation leadership honours went to Indian Oil Corporation R&D Division and Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals.IEW 2026 concluded by reaffirming India’s position as a stable and credible energy leader, balancing security, affordability and sustainability while driving innovation and global collaboration.