ONGC entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with j global oil major, bp, to collaborate in the exploration and production (e&p) business in India and abroad, including sharing of knowledge in coal-bed methane (cbm) and deep-water activities. The pact was valid for an initial period of 18 months, which could be extended further by mutual agreement of the two corporations. This tie-up with bp followed the ongc joining forces with Italy's eni, Brazil's Petrobras, and Norwegian Norsk Hydro, for related activities.