Cabinet approves ‘Samudra Manthan’ (National Offshore Exploration Scheme)

The Union Cabinet on 31 July 2026 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.

About Samudra Manthan Scheme:

• The scheme aims to unlock India’s offshore oil and gas potential and strengthen the country’s energy security.
• It translates the vision of a modern-day ‘Samudra Manthan’, articulated by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025.
• It covers the entire offshore exploration value chain, from geological data acquisition to exploration, production and infrastructure development.

Scheme Components:

• Large-scale acquisition, processing and interpretation of high-quality seismic data.
• Accelerated deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling.
• Scientific drilling in frontier sedimentary basins.
• Development of common offshore production and evacuation infrastructure.
• Establishment of an integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone.
• Digital programme management, capacity building and technology adoption.
• Greater stakeholder engagement and international cooperation in offshore exploration.

Scheme’s Expected Outcomes:

• Catalyse the addition of over 600 Million Metric Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (MMTOE) to India’s reserves.
• Increase domestic oil and natural gas production and reduce dependence on imports.
• Accelerate exploration in deepwater, ultra-deepwater and frontier basins.
• Generate large-scale employment and promote specialised skills.
• Strengthen domestic manufacturing under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Develop a globally competitive ecosystem for offshore technologies and services.

Source: PIB

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