In the dynamic landscape of global oil and gas industry, here is our Deputy CEO, Steve Moore’s odyssey across the continents and cuisines of the world. From living in Greece for nine years to visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, Steve’s expedition has been a whirlwind of unique experiences and cultural encounters.
Today, we sit down with Steve to delve into his extraordinary life, both personal and professional, as he shares his experiences on working in different geographies and his recent move to India.
Join us as we explore the world through Steve’s eyes, where every twist and turn has added new flavours to his life story, and where his passion for Indian cuisine and cinema has become a delightful part of his journey.
This is not a typical interview; this is a conversation with a explorer whose experiences have truly shaped his perspective on his work and his life.
We are halfway through FY’24. What’s the game plan for business growth in the next two quarters and beyond?
In RJ South, we have commenced a new 8-well infill drilling programme at RDG. The team is working hard to increase production from Satellite developments such as Raag Oil where we expect to see growth as injected water revitalises pre-drilled wells. A team is also looking closely to rapidly appraise and then develop the OALP Durga discovery. We expect the Kyri rig to move to Durga and sidetrack the original exploration well after it completes the current Jaya exploration well. In RJ North, additional development drilling at Mangala and Aishwariya has been approved and we will move back to two active rigs.
Looking to the next year, the main highlights should be the mobilisation of a new jack-up rig to drill a succession of exploration, appraisal and development wells on the east and west coasts, the first oil from the initial stage of the Mangala ASP project, the rapid development of Durga and other satellite fields in RJ South. Also, a big drilling campaign is in the works for the Northeast, with more wells in Gujarat at Jaya and elsewhere. And let’s not forget our commitment to decarbonization, with the go-ahead for the first stage of the ‘waste 2 energy’ through ‘waste 2 power’ and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) projects to cut emissions from gas combustion and flaring.
Your career has taken you to various corners of the world, from Southeast Asia to the Middle East, and even Europe. Can you share some fascinating cultural experiences that have left a mark on you during your journey?
It’s quite a journey I’ve had over the last 32 years, starting from the UK with my wife. We’ve been through a lot together, from raising our children in different countries to attempting (with varying success) to grasp languages in various alphabets like Arabic, Greek, Cyrillic, and Latin. We’ve also had the pleasure of working with people from diverse backgrounds, including Muslims, Jews, Atheists, Christians, and now Hindus.
This career has exposed me to cultures radically different from my upbringing in Northeast England. Some standout moments include visiting the Sultan of Brunei’s palace, trading with head hunters in Borneo, sharing camel milk with Bedouin tribesmen in Oman, and toasting with Russian
champagne at -70°C in Kazakhstan. I’ve even had a near death experience in Basra. It’s been a wild ride, and now I’m exploring the rich cultural tapestry of India with its monuments, temples, and even ghost hunts at Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan.
Moving to India must have been a unique experience. Can you share your thoughts on transitioning to life in India and what you’ve found most intriguing about living here?
My time in India has been nothing short of fantastic. While the UK and India have their differences, there’s a shared history that ties them together. Indian food, in particular, has always been a favourite of mine since my university days. One thing that has struck me is the global presence of people from the Indian sub-continent, which I’ve encountered in almost every country I’ve worked in, even Kazakhstan. So, the prospect of working in India and with Cairn was very appealing, given my familiarity with Indian work ethics. The warmth and friendliness of the Indian people have been truly remarkable. I’ve never felt more welcome in any other country. And let’s not forget the cows—seeing a herd of water buffalo casually strolling down the wrong side of a dual carriageway is a unique Indian experience. I’ve even picked up a Thar and embraced the chaos of Indian traffic on weekends and holidays. Navigating the streets, getting lost, and finding my way around is the best way to understand a country and its people. I’ve learned not to rely too heavily on Google Maps and to watch out for “potholes” hidden under floodwaters after monsoon storms.
We have heard you’re a fan of exploring new places and savouring different cuisines. Can you share some of the exciting places you’ve visited in India and the delectable dishes that have delighted your taste buds?
Absolutely! Indian cuisine is, without a doubt, the best in the world, and I would happily indulge in it exclusively if given the choice. After spending nine years in Greece and Italy, where Indian restaurants are rare, moving to India was a culinary delight. During my six-week stay at the Leela Ambience, I stuck to Indian food for breakfast and lunch without any complaints. However, my wife convinced me to try a pizza restaurant in Gurgaon, touted as the best in Asia, and while it was excellent, it couldn’t quite match the flavours of dal, chicken jalfrezi, and garlic naan. Some highlights include the Paratha’s in Old Delhi and the unassuming restaurants in Jaipur and Alwar, where simple kitchens served dishes that any food lover would cherish.
While I’ve mostly enjoyed Indian cuisine, I did venture into Vietnamese food during a summer holiday with my wife and daughter. Although it doesn’t quite measure up to Indian cuisine, it’s worth trying. I’m also a cinephile, and the quality of movie theatres in Gurgaon has been a pleasant surprise. The only downside so far has been the lack of shops selling vinyl records. I’m an avid collector of old LPs, and I’m eagerly anticipating a visit to Mumbai in search of some rare finds. Additionally, my wife is taking up Polo near our house, adding to the many experiences we’re enjoying in India.
Learning a bit of the local language can be fun. Have you picked up any Hindi words or phrases that have become your favourites, or maybe even some slang?
My language skills leave much to be desired. My only success was in Kazakhstan, where I could converse in Russian, albeit slowly, like a 3-year-old. In Hindi, my vocabulary hasn’t expanded much beyond foodrelated words, which isn’t surprising given my love for Indian cuisine. I can manage words like namaste, bahut, alvida, nahin, atchha, hamn, and more. One word that’s a favourite of mine is “Svadisht,” but I often forget it when ordering in a cafe. As for slang, I haven’t delved into that territory yet, but I’m looking forward to discovering Hindi equivalents of intriguing words like the Greek “Malaka” someday!
