Cabinet Approves 'Samudra Manthan' National Offshore Exploration Scheme with ₹84,084 Crore Outlay
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 for implementation till FY 2030-31. This is a significant step to boost domestic oil and gas production, enhance energy security, and align with the 'Viksit Bharat' vision. The scheme was announced by PM Modi in his 2025 Independence Day speech as a modern 'Samudra Manthan' to harness India's offshore energy potential.
Background
Over the past decade, the government has implemented transformative reforms in the upstream sector, including opening nearly the entire offshore area for exploration, modernizing legislative and contractual frameworks, and strengthening the National Data Repository. 'Samudra Manthan' builds on these reforms to accelerate offshore exploration through strategic public investment, cutting-edge technology, and world-class infrastructure.
Key facts
The Union Cabinet approved 'Samudra Manthan' – National Offshore Exploration Scheme, with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore.
It is a central sector scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, to be implemented till FY 2030-31.
The scheme aims to accelerate the process of adding over 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE) of reserves.
It includes measures across the entire value chain of offshore exploration: large-scale acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of high-quality seismic data; rapid exploration drilling in deep and ultra-deep waters; scientific drilling in new and under-explored basins; development of shared infrastructure for offshore production and evacuation; and establishment of an integrated oil and gas manufacturing and services hub.
Special provisions include digital program management, capacity building, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement, and enhanced international outreach.
The scheme is expected to significantly increase offshore exploration activities, boost domestic oil and gas production, create large-scale employment, strengthen domestic manufacturing under 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', and build a globally competitive ecosystem for offshore technology and services.
It is expected to promote broad investment across the entire exploration and production value chain, creating long-term opportunities for industry, innovation, and economic growth.
The scheme was announced by PM Modi in his 2025 Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort as a modern 'Samudra Manthan'.
Previous reforms include opening nearly the entire offshore area for exploration, modernizing legislative and contractual frameworks, and strengthening the National Data Repository.
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
- Type: Central sector scheme
- Announced by PM Modi in 2025 Independence Day speech
- Target: over 600 MMTOE reserves
- Related initiatives: Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of 'Samudra Manthan' in enhancing India's energy security and reducing import dependence.
- Critically examine the potential challenges in implementing large-scale offshore exploration projects in India.
- Analyze the role of government initiatives like 'Samudra Manthan' in promoting 'Make in India' and technological self-reliance in the energy sector.