The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the ‘Samudra Manthan’ National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an allocation of Rs 84,084 crore. This initiative aims to expedite offshore oil and gas exploration, thereby ensuring India’s long-term energy security. The scheme will be funded centrally and is set to be implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas until the financial year 2030-31.

The programme seeks to unlock India’s untapped offshore hydrocarbon resources through substantial investments in technology, exploration, and infrastructure. Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Modi’s address on Independence Day 2025, the initiative is envisioned as a contemporary “Samudra Manthan” to maximise the country’s offshore energy potential.

The government describes this programme as a crucial step toward enhancing domestic energy production, minimizing dependence on imports, and supporting the vision of a developed India.

Exploration and Infrastructure Development

Under the provisions of the scheme, extensive initiatives will be undertaken to acquire, process, and interpret high-quality seismic data. This will facilitate the identification of prospective oil and gas reserves located beneath the seabed. In addition, the programme includes accelerated exploration drilling in both deepwater and ultra-deepwater regions, as well as scientific drilling in uncharted frontier sedimentary basins.

The Cabinet has also given the green light for the development of common offshore production and evacuation infrastructure to accommodate future discoveries. A key aspect of the initiative is the establishment of an integrated Oil and Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone aimed at bolstering India’s domestic industrial ecosystem concerning offshore exploration technologies.

Furthermore, the scheme comprises investments in digital programme management, capacity building, and the adoption of advanced technologies. This multifaceted approach aims for stakeholder engagement and promotes international collaboration to create a globally competitive ecosystem for offshore exploration.

Anticipated Impact and Economic Benefits

According to government projections, the Samudra Manthan initiative is likely to lead to the discovery of over 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE) in hydrocarbon reserves. This programme is expected not only to enhance domestic oil and gas production but also generate substantial employment opportunities. Additionally, it aims to support the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by promoting indigenous manufacturing and attracting significant private and public investments across the exploration and production value chain.

The government has stated that the scheme builds on a decade of reforms undertaken in India’s upstream petroleum sector. This includes the opening of nearly the entire offshore acreage for exploration, modernising policies related to exploration, and strengthening the National Data Repository.

Officials are optimistic that this initiative will herald a new era in offshore exploration, characterized by advanced technologies, world-class infrastructure, and strategic public investments. This will play a significant role in enhancing India’s energy independence while fostering economic growth in the upcoming decades.

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