Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering robust trade relations with India, particularly in the energy sector. 

Speaking at a press conference during the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit, on May 12, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Maryland, the Governor confirmed that the Indian government is keen on importing Alaskan natural gas as part of its broader strategy to diversify energy sources.

In response to a question from South Asian Herald regarding India’s interest in Alaskan gas, Governor Dunleavy stated, “The Indian government has expressed an interest in doing business with America, where Alaska is part of, on a host of trade issues, but energy being one. Alaska gas from our understanding is being discussed by the government in terms of the overall trade agreement.”

Governor Dunleavy emphasized that India’s growing energy needs and its global economic stature are prompting it to explore multiple international partnerships. “India is a giant, and everyone is looking at India’s economy for the future. I think the Indian Government is looking to find partners to meet its energy demands,” he said.

While acknowledging India’s proximity to the Middle East, the Governor underscored the strategic importance of diversification. “One of the discussions that keeps coming up is countries want to diversify their portfolio. They don’t want to rely on one or another for a whole host of reasons. It could be a supply chain interruption. There could be some other conflict, or just for the competitive purposes.”

Governor Dunleavy drew parallels with ongoing talks with other Asian economies such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, noting that although negotiations are in early stages, there is growing optimism. “I’m optimistic,” he said, adding, “India was very interested in the gas. This came after our trip to Taiwan and Japan. I think it’s a wise move on India’s part for a whole host of reasons.”

He acknowledged the preliminary nature of these discussions saying, “I know it’s being discussed only from the 30,000-foot level, and we’ll see what the results are of these conversations.” He added that President Donald Trump is working to foster global partnerships that promote equitable opportunities across nations.

Beyond energy, Governor Dunleavy expressed interest in expanding Alaska’s relationship with India in areas such as seafood exports and education. He noted the potential for student exchange programs with the University of Alaska, particularly in disciplines like engineering, petroleum, and mining.

Governor Dunleavy also outlined Alaska’s economic strengths, including its vast natural resources, strategic geographic location, and established infrastructure. He highlighted Alaska’s historical and economic significance, including its purchase from Russia in 1867 and its current role as a major U.S. oil producer, currently yielding 495,000 barrels per day with projections to reach 750,000 barrels by 2030.

“In 1969 Alaska was the first place on the planet to develop the concept of exporting LNG. And we did that with Japan for 50 years. So, it was Alaska that first started exporting LNG…” he said.

The Governor also emphasized Alaska’s long-standing experience in the oil and gas sector, pointing to the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, which began operations in 1977 and has since transported over 18 billion barrels of oil.

Alaska is currently negotiating gas-related agreements with Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan. He described Taiwan as a “terrific place,” with “wonderful people looking for gas,” and revealed that Taiwan may enter a significant offtake agreement involving 6 million tons of LNG, potentially the largest in LNG export history.

The Governor highlighted Alaska’s wealth of critical minerals, noting that 49 out of the 50 critical minerals identified in the U.S. are found in substantial quantities in the state. Among them are gold, graphite, nickel, and copper. He also emphasized that Alaska is home to the nation’s largest national forest and stands as a leading seafood exporter, particularly to Asian markets.

Tourism is another thriving sector, he noted. “Tremendous growth has already occurred. Tremendous growth is anticipated in Alaska,” he said, underscoring increased interest in winter tourism and ongoing efforts to establish direct flights from Asia to Alaska, bypassing Seattle.

He also noted Alaska’s strong national security presence with extensive military and missile defense infrastructure, the largest Coast Guard presence in the U.S., and its proximity to key Asian markets. Further, he highlighted Alaska’s unique demographic, noting that “20 percent of our population is Native American,” and that his wife and three daughters are Native American as well.

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