The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Samudra Manthan, the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹84,084 crore for implementation through FY 2030-31. The Central Sector Scheme, led by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is designed to accelerate offshore oil and gas exploration and strengthen India’s long-term energy security.
The programme includes large-scale seismic data acquisition and processing, deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling, scientific drilling in frontier basins, development of common offshore production and evacuation infrastructure, and the creation of an Integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone. It also covers digital programme management, capacity building, and international collaboration.
According to the government, the scheme could add more than 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent to India’s reserves, boost domestic production, generate employment, and support Make in India. Analysts say it addresses major challenges in offshore exploration, including limited seismic data and the high cost of deepwater drilling.
The initiative comes as India imports around 88% of its crude oil and nearly half of its natural gas, making the country vulnerable to global supply disruptions. Recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, have reinforced the need to diversify domestic energy sources.
The scheme also builds on recent offshore exploration successes, including Oil India Ltd’s hydrocarbon discoveries near the Andaman Islands, and forms part of the government’s broader effort to expand India’s domestic energy production over the long term.
