National Offshore Exploration Scheme: Samudra Manthan

On 31st July 2026, the Union Cabinet approved 'Samudra Manthan' – the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, with an approved outlay of ₹84,084 crore for implementation up to FY 2030–31. The scheme aims to accelerate offshore oil and gas exploration and strengthen India's long-term energy security.

Key Points:

Comprehensive Offshore Development: The scheme covers the entire offshore exploration value chain, including large-scale seismic data acquisition, deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling, scientific drilling in frontier basins, development of common offshore production and evacuation infrastructure, and the establishment of an integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone.
Technology and Capacity Building: It includes provisions for digital programme management, technology adoption, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and international collaboration.
Expected Outcomes: The scheme is expected to add over 600 Million Metric Tons of Oil Equivalent (MMTOE) to India's reserves, increase domestic oil and gas production, generate employment, strengthen Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, and attract significant investments across the exploration and production value chain.
Significance: Building on recent upstream sector reforms, Samudra Manthan seeks to unlock India's offshore energy potential through strategic public investment, advanced technologies, and world-class infrastructure.