InterOil, which wants to develop its licence with reserves of seven trillion cubic feet of gas to start exports by 2014, is 'seriously looking for partners'. 'I believe that they (Petronet and InterOil) have already spoken once or twice and I encourage that,' Abal told IANS.

He pointed out that as per law, 22.5 percent of the gas produced was the government's share.

While the minister reiterated his encouragement for the Indian company, the decision had to be a commercial one with discussions between Petronet, InterOil and Petromin, the national oil and gas firm.

'The second way, which I told the minister (of state for petroleum, Jitin Prasada) here, was for companies to go down to PNG (Papua New Guinea) and seek a licence. If India is seeking to secure its own energy supplies, then it is better to start from the beginning,' said Abal.

He asked Indian companies not just to look at the exploration side but also to consider developing the entire chain from the upstream to the downstream sectors.

'I told Mr (Jitin) Prasada (minister of state for petroleum) that our petroleum minister will be coming soon this year,' said the foreign minister.

During his visit, Abal met Indian government leaders including External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and others. They also promised that Indian help would be available to build up Papua New Guinea's economic infrastructure, especially in the areas of oil and gas, and hospitality sectors.