India's significant economic growth over the last decade has led to an inexorable rise in energy demand. Currently, India faces a challenging energy shortage. To grow at 9 per cent over the next 20 years, it is estimated that its energy capacity must increase by approximately 5.8 per cent per year.

India's significant economic growth over the last decade has led to an inexorable rise in energy demand. Currently, India faces a challenging energy shortage. To grow at 9 per cent over the next 20 years, it is estimated that its energy capacity must increase by approximately 5.8 per cent per year.

Edited Proceedings of the 11th Petro India Conference organised by India Energy Forum and Observer Research Foundation. The creation of a new 'architecture' for regional cooperation in the area of energy in general and hydrocarbons in particular will be a critical step in the process of Asia's development.

While the process of industrialisation is facing many problems that need to be addressed, the problem of land for industry is among the most serious. Many major projects today are stuck due to problems related to land acquisition.

The Indian industrial sector has slowed down and reviving it is an immense challenge, given problems in the availability of power. Many states across the country have been facing daily power cuts of upto six hours; the situation is only worsening despite measures being taken by the government such as sprucing up coal supplies.

Oil is the lifeblood of modern Indian society; its importance in the daily lives of citizens is steadily increasing. At the same time, natural gas is gaining in importance worldwide due to its environment-friendliness and lower cost as compared to oil.

Mekong-Ganga Dialogue (MGD) is an international cooperation forum for enhancing understanding between Mekong and Ganga countries about water, food and energy challenges.

The draft Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on September 7, 2011 is one of the most important legislations waiting for Parliamentary approval.

As India braces itself for an over-ambitious Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, it also has to deliberate the prospects of developing other renewable energy resources. Of all the non-conventional renewable energy sources, small hydro represents the highest density resource.

India and the US are poised to expand agricultural cooperation with the hope of bringing about a "Second Green Revolution" in India. Cooperation in this area would, however, need to take into account the interests of Indian farmers as well as issues related to bio-diversity and the environment.