PM Modi Announces ₹85,000 Crore for Samudra Manthan

Samudra Manthan is the National Offshore Exploration Scheme under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. The Union Cabinet approved it on 31 July 2026 as a Central Sector Scheme up to FY 2030-31, and the Prime Minister announced an allocation of ₹85,000 crore on 15 August 2026 during the 80th Independence Day address at the Red Fort, New Delhi.

Scheme Framework

The scheme covers high-quality seismic mapping, deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling, scientific drilling in frontier basins, shared offshore infrastructure, and an integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone. The approved Phase-I outlay was ₹84,084 crore, while the Independence Day announcement cited ₹85,000 crore for accelerated implementation.

Offshore Exploration and EEZ

India’s Exclusive Economic Zone extends over 23.6 lakh square kilometres. Official maritime data placed the restricted offshore “no-go” area at 13.67 lakh square kilometres before it was reduced to 24,832 square kilometres, leaving 99% of coastal waters open for exploration.

Energy Security Context

India imports 88.5% of its crude oil and about half of its natural gas requirement. The scheme has been linked with an expected reserve accretion of over 600 Million Metric Tons of Oil Equivalent, a unit used to compare different forms of energy on a common basis.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Exclusive Economic Zone is a maritime zone recognised under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• Seismic mapping is used to study subsurface geological structures before exploratory drilling begins.
• Deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling are used for offshore hydrocarbon exploration in marine basins.
• Central Sector Schemes are funded and implemented by the Union Government.

Related Static GK

The Red Fort in Delhi is the venue for the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address on 15 August each year. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas handles policy matters related to petroleum, natural gas, and offshore hydrocarbon exploration in India.