New Delhi, May 5 -- State-run Oil India Ltd (OIL) is in talks with global oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) companies to partner for exploration in deep and ultra-deep acreages won by it and also to jointly participate in upcoming bid rounds, its top official said.

Ranjit Rath, chairman and managing director of OIL, said in an interview that several government-owned national oil companies (NOCs) as well as private international oil companies (IOCs) have shown interest in jointly bidding for blocks in the upcoming 10th round of auction under Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP-X).

Further, he said that OIL is looking at expanding its international footprint to ensure energy security, and is also exploring a foray into criti...