New Delhi, May 29 (Agency) Amid talks with Indian oil majors to re-start operations in Libya, the Libyan Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Mohamed Khalil Issa is in New Delhi for talks and on Tuesday met MoS MEA V. Muraleedharan. The Minister of State posted on X that the two sides discussed various aspects of the bilateral relationship, and identified the next steps to strengthen cooperation. “Happy to receive Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of Libya H.E Mohamed Khalil Issa in New Delhi. “Discussed various aspects of our bilateral relations and identified next steps in further strengthening our cooperation.” On Monday, the Libyan Minister met with the Secretary (CPV & OIA), Muktesh Pardeshi.
The Libyan Minister and his delegation also held talks with Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Secretary, Pankaj Jain. “The two sides discussed on enhancing collaboration in the energy sector, including increased crude oil trade and the resumption of exploration and production projects in Libya, where Indian Public Sector Undertakings including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, ONGC Videsh Limited and Oil India Limited have invested,” the ministry posted on X. According to reports in February this year, ONGC and Oil India were in talks with stakeholders to restart drilling in Libya. ONGC and Oil India both pulled staff out of Libya in 2011 due to political instability.