Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has awarded exploration rights for onshore Block 1 to an Indian consortium, further deepening energy ties with India as a major importer of oil from the United Arab Emirates, writes Nassir Shirkhani.

Bharat Petroleum and Indian Oil have secured a 100% interest in the exploration phase to appraise undeveloped fields around Abu Dhabi’s western region of Ruwais.