The Union Cabinet has approved a major offshore energy plan called the Samudra Manthan scheme, with a total outlay of ₹84,084 crore. The scheme is aimed at strengthening India’s oil and gas exploration efforts in deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas.
Under this plan, the government has allocated ₹43,200 crore for drilling 60 deepwater exploration wells. The move is expected to help India search for new hydrocarbon reserves and reduce its dependence on imported energy.
The scheme is part of the government’s broader effort to improve energy security and increase domestic production of crude oil and natural gas. Officials say the initiative will support exploration in areas that have not been studied in detail so far, opening the door to new discoveries.
The Samudra Manthan scheme is being implemented as a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It will run through FY 2030-31 and includes several components beyond drilling.
Along with the well-drilling plan, the Cabinet has also approved funds for seismic data collection and processing, offshore infrastructure development, and manufacturing support for oil and gas-related services. These steps are meant to make exploration more efficient and encourage private participation in the sector.
The scheme reflects India’s growing focus on finding more domestic sources of energy at a time when global oil prices and supply uncertainties continue to affect importing countries. By investing in offshore exploration, the government hopes to unlock untapped reserves beneath India’s seas.
Experts believe that if successful, the initiative could improve long-term energy availability and support the country’s economic growth. It may also create opportunities for companies involved in drilling, surveying, marine logistics, and energy services.
The Samudra Manthan scheme is one of the largest recent investments in offshore exploration in India. Its scale shows the government’s intention to push harder in the search for new oil and gas resources.
For India, the scheme is not just about drilling wells. It is also about building the infrastructure, data systems, and industrial capacity needed to support a stronger energy future.
