Key Details
The Union Cabinet has approved Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore until FY 2030–31.
Priority Area | Key Development |
|---|---|
National programme | ₹84,084 crore approved through FY 2030–31. |
Exploration | High-quality seismic surveys and accelerated deepwater & ultra-deepwater drilling. |
Frontier basins | Scientific drilling in underexplored offshore sedimentary basins. |
Shared infrastructure | Common production and evacuation infrastructure to improve project viability. |
Industrial ecosystem | Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone to strengthen domestic capabilities. |
Technology | Digital programme management, advanced exploration technologies and international collaboration. |
Expected outcome | More than 600 MMTOE of additional reserves alongside higher domestic production and employment. |
The State Is Taking a Bigger Role in Offshore Exploration
Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme is a Central Government programme that will accelerate offshore hydrocarbon exploration through public investment in exploration, technology, shared infrastructure and industrial capability.
Earlier reforms focused on licensing, data access and attracting private investment. Samudra Manthan goes further by financing seismic surveys, scientific drilling and common offshore infrastructure, reducing exploration risks that often discourage investment. The policy focus shifts from opening offshore blocks to building the capabilities needed to develop them.
Energy Security Is Becoming an Industrial Strategy
The programme combines exploration with investments in manufacturing, technology, engineering services and skilled workforce development. The proposed Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone aims to increase domestic capability across the offshore value chain rather than relying on imported technologies and equipment.
Technology Will Drive the Next Phase of Upstream Development
Advanced seismic imaging, digital programme management and scientific drilling become central to exploration strategy. Together with international collaboration and capacity building, these investments seek to improve exploration success while strengthening India's long-term offshore capabilities.
Policy Relevance
Reduces exploration risk through public investment in geological data, drilling and shared infrastructure.
Strengthens energy security by expanding domestic exploration and production capacity.
Builds indigenous capabilities in offshore equipment, engineering services and specialised technologies.
Makes technology a strategic asset through digital systems, advanced seismic imaging and scientific drilling.
Improves project viability by creating common offshore infrastructure instead of duplicating assets.
Supports industrial growth by linking offshore exploration with manufacturing, jobs and domestic supply chains.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can India balance accelerated offshore hydrocarbon exploration with technological innovation, environmental sustainability and long-term energy security objectives?
Follow the Full News Here: Cabinet approves 'Samudra Manthan' (National Offshore Exploration Scheme) with an outlay of Rs. 84,084 crore