The Union Government has approved the Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Mission, a landmark initiative aimed at boosting domestic oil and gas production and reducing India’s dependence on imported energy.
According to Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the mission has the potential to help India save around ₹1 lakh crore annually by increasing indigenous energy production and cutting import bills. The scheme has been approved with a total outlay of ₹84,084 crore and is expected to transform offshore hydrocarbon exploration over the next five years.
₹84,084 Crore Investment To Unlock Offshore Reserves
The Samudra Manthan scheme focuses on accelerating exploration in India’s offshore sedimentary basins, particularly deepwater and ultra-deepwater regions that remain largely unexplored.
The programme will fund extensive seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, and the creation of common offshore infrastructure to attract greater participation from both domestic and international energy companies. By reducing exploration risks and improving geological data, the government aims to increase discoveries of oil and natural gas within Indian waters.
Reducing Import Dependence A Key Objective
India currently imports a significant portion of its crude oil and natural gas requirements, making the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.
The government believes that increasing domestic production through Samudra Manthan will strengthen India’s energy security, reduce foreign exchange outflows, and provide long-term economic benefits. The projected annual savings of ₹1 lakh crore could also improve the country’s trade balance while reducing exposure to volatile international energy markets.
Supporting Energy Security And Economic Growth
Beyond lowering imports, the mission is expected to generate fresh investments in exploration and production, encourage the adoption of advanced offshore technologies, and create employment opportunities across the energy sector.
Officials believe the initiative will strengthen India’s long-term energy resilience while supporting the country’s growing demand for oil and natural gas as economic activity expands.
A Strategic Step Towards Energy Self-Reliance
The government sees Samudra Manthan as a crucial pillar of India’s strategy to achieve greater energy self-reliance. By unlocking offshore hydrocarbon resources and expanding domestic production, the initiative aims to reduce dependence on imports while ensuring a more stable and secure energy future.
Summary
The Union Government has approved the ₹84,084 crore Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Mission to boost domestic oil and gas production. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the initiative could help India save around ₹1 lakh crore every year by reducing energy imports. The scheme will focus on deepwater exploration, seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, and offshore infrastructure to strengthen India’s long-term energy security.
