India’s new oil minister promises continuity, tact

India’s new oil minister, Murli Deora, vowed on Monday broadly to sustain the policies of his energetic predecessor, but analysts say the business-friendly politician will bring a more pragmatic approach to the job.

Deora said he wanted state-run refiners to become profitable and he would encourage foreign acquisitions, supply affordable fuel to the poor and woo private capital for domestic oil exploration, but he refused to be drawn on specifics.