Itanagar, Jan 9: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday commended the Narendra Modi-led government for strengthening India’s energy security and economic growth through strategic reforms.

Mein highlighted the commissioning of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (HPCL) Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) at the Visakhapatnam Refinery, describing it as a key step toward energy self-reliance. The facility, featuring India’s first residue hydrocracking unit and the world’s first LC-Max unit, converts nearly 93% of low-value heavy oils into high-value petroleum products. The upgrade aims to enhance fuel production efficiency, reduce crude import dependence, and maximize value from each barrel.

Calling the facility a “major engineering achievement,” Mein said it strengthens refining capacity and supports India’s energy self-sufficiency goals in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

He also pointed to India’s broader progress under the Modi government, noting the country is now the world’s top rice producer, fourth-largest economy, and third-largest solar power producer, highlighting the reforms’ impact on farmers, youth, and innovators while promoting sustainable growth.