India and Sri Lanka agreed to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation in oil and gas sector. This was agreed during when visiting Sri Lankan Minister for Power Patali Champika Ranawaka met Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday to discuss bilateral cooperation.

"The two Ministers reviewed the existing cooperation between the two countries on hydrocarbon sector. It was agreed that all avenues must be explored to enhance the relationship in this sector," an official statement said here.

Separately, a delegation led by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy and Climate change of United Kingdom Baroness Verma met Pradhan to discuss bilateral cooperation in oil and gas sector between India and United Kingdom.

"She mentioned that some UK companies have already invested in India and UK Government was exploring how the Indian market could grow and be more competitive,  thus encouraging other UK companies to invest in India," a separate official statement said.

India's E&P sector and prospects for securing energy through investments abroad were explained.

"It was explained that Indian PSU's look for joint ventures with other companies including companies from UK. India welcome potential partners to share knowledge and information in E&P sector including exploration and exploitation of shale gas/ oil, gas hydrates and sand oil," it said.