Cairn signs agreement with Parker Wellbore to increase E&P activity in India

Cairn Oil & Gas, part of the Vedanta Group and India’s largest private oil and gas exploration and production company, has entered into an agreement with Parker Wellbore, recently acquired by Nabors Industries—a global technology provider—to expand operations in India using a high-performance 2000HP drilling rig.

Cairn Oil & Gas will deploy this state-of-the-art rig in Barmer, Rajasthan—the company's largest onshore producing asset in India, this month. This advanced rig features a top drive system, automated pipe handling, and real-time data monitoring, all designed to enhance operational efficiency, maximize performance, and deliver safer, more consistent drilling operations. This deployment aligns with Cairn's ongoing efforts to increase production and support its exploration initiatives in the region.

Recently at CERAWeek 2025, Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal shared the company’s plan for India’s energy sector growth. The company will be investing in brownfield projects to add 5bnboe reserves, and produce 500,000 barrels per day at a cost of $5/bbl.

“Cairn is leading large investments to accelerate exploration of unconventional resources in India," said Hitesh Vaid, Chief Financial Officer, Cairn Oil & Gas. "Through our collaboration with proven global partners, we are unlocking the untapped potential of oil & gas resources in the country. This strategic partnership with Parker Wellbore will enable us to start drilling within the next few months, further enhancing our operational performance and contributing to our growth in line with our vision to grow production.”

Cairn has a proven petroleum system with high quality source rock, multiple grabens with oil and gas plays in rift set up and limited areal extent with gross thickness of ~500 m. Drilling of one well in oil play has provided evidence of the system’s viability for further exploration and development.

Cairn’s growth projects include deepwater, tight oil, ASP, shale, and Northeast exploration among others to enhance production from its diversified portfolio. The company is on the lookout for partnering with global oil and gas companies with expertise in such growth projects.

As a key player in India’s energy landscape, Cairn currently contributes ~25% of the nation’s domestic crude oil production and has a bold vision to double the contribution, securing India’s energy future through responsible and sustainable practices.

The leadership of both the companies met at CERAWeek in Houston to solidify this partnership.