Cabinet Approves Samudra Manthan Offshore Exploration Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme on 31 July 2026. The scheme is a central sector scheme under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas with an approved outlay of ₹84,084 crore up to financial year 2030-31.

Scheme Objective and Scope

Samudra Manthan is designed to expand offshore exploration in India’s sedimentary basins. The scheme targets reserve accretion of more than 600 Million Metric Tons of Oil Equivalent (MMToE) and covers seismic surveys, deepwater drilling, offshore infrastructure, and manufacturing and services zones.

Major Components of the Scheme

The scheme has four financial components with specific allocations. Modern offshore seismic data acquisition and processing has an allocation of ₹28,534 crore, drilling of 60 deepwater exploration wells has an allocation of ₹43,200 crore, common offshore infrastructure hubs have an allocation of ₹10,000 crore, and oil and gas manufacturing and services zones have an allocation of ₹2,000 crore. Offshore seismic data refers to geophysical data collected from the seabed and marine sub-surface for hydrocarbon exploration. Deepwater exploration wells are drilled in offshore areas where water depth is high and specialised rigs are required.

India’s Petroleum Import Dependence

India’s crude oil import dependency reached 88.7% in 2025-26. India’s natural gas import dependence is about 50%, and the scheme is linked to upstream petroleum sector investment for domestic resource addition. The upstream petroleum sector includes exploration and production activities for crude oil and natural gas. Offshore exploration is conducted in marine areas such as the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Background of the Initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi first referred to a modern-day “Samudra Manthan” in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort in 2025. The scheme uses the term “Samudra Manthan”, which is a Sanskrit phrase associated with the churning of the ocean in Indian tradition.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Union Cabinet is the highest decision-making body of the Government of India for executive matters.
• A central sector scheme is fully funded by the Union Government.
• MMToE stands for Million Metric Tons of Oil Equivalent.
• Offshore exploration is a part of the upstream oil and gas value chain.