Cabinet Approves 'Samudra Manthan' National Offshore Exploration Scheme
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, has approved 'Samudra Manthan' – the National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore. This is a major policy push to boost domestic oil and gas production, aligning with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' and energy security.
Background
The scheme was announced by PM Modi in his Independence Day speech in 2025 as a modern 'Samudra Manthan' to harness India's vast offshore energy potential. Over the past decade, the government has opened nearly the entire offshore area for exploration, modernized legislative and contractual frameworks, and strengthened the National Data Repository.
Key facts
The Union Cabinet approved 'Samudra Manthan' – the National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore.
The scheme is a central sector scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, to be implemented till FY 2030-31.
It aims to accelerate exploration and production, enhance energy security, and promote technological leadership.
The scheme includes large-scale acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of high-quality seismic data.
It involves fast-track exploration drilling in deep and ultra-deep waters, and scientific drilling in new and unexplored basins.
It includes development of shared infrastructure for offshore production and evacuation, and setting up an integrated oil and gas manufacturing and services hub.
The scheme is expected to accelerate the process of adding reserves of over 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE).
It will boost domestic oil and gas production, create large-scale employment, and strengthen 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
The scheme includes provisions for digital program management, capacity building, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement, and international outreach.
It is expected to attract wide-ranging investments across the entire exploration and production value chain.
Prelims pointers
- Scheme: Samudra Manthan (National Offshore Exploration Scheme)
- Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Outlay: ₹84,084 crore
- Implementation period: till FY 2030-31
- Announced by PM Modi in 2025 Independence Day speech
- Target: 600 MMTOE reserves
- Related: National Data Repository, OALP (Open Acreage Licensing Policy)
- Type: Central Sector Scheme
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of offshore exploration for India's energy security and economic growth.
- Critically examine the role of government initiatives like 'Samudra Manthan' in achieving 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in the energy sector.
- Analyze the challenges and opportunities in deep-water exploration in India.