New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved Samudra Manthan, the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 84,084 crore to be implemented until FY 2030-31. The Central Sector scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aims to significantly expand offshore oil and gas exploration, strengthen India’s energy security and boost domestic production.

The scheme draws inspiration from the Prime Minister’s vision, announced from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025, of a modern day Samudra Manthan to unlock India’s offshore energy potential. The government said the initiative is expected to support the country’s long term energy needs while advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Samudra Manthan covers the entire offshore exploration value chain. It includes large scale acquisition, processing and interpretation of high quality seismic data, accelerated exploratory drilling in deepwater and ultra deepwater areas, scientific drilling in frontier basins, development of shared offshore production and evacuation infrastructure, and the creation of an integrated Oil and Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone.

The scheme also provides for digital programme management, capacity building, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement and international outreach to build a stronger ecosystem for offshore exploration and production.

According to the government, the initiative is expected to help add more than 600 Million Metric Tons of Oil Equivalent (MMTOE) to India’s reserves. It is also expected to increase offshore exploration activity, raise domestic oil and gas production, generate employment, strengthen indigenous manufacturing under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, and encourage the growth of globally competitive offshore technologies and services.

The government said the scheme is likely to attract substantial investments across the exploration and production value chain, creating long term opportunities for industry, innovation and economic growth.

Highlighting the broader objective of the initiative, the government said, “As India progresses towards becoming a developed nation, Samudra Manthan represents a transformational national initiative that will unlock the country’s offshore energy resources, strengthen long term energy security, deepen technological capabilities, and create enduring value for the economy and future generations.”

The Cabinet approval builds on a series of upstream sector reforms introduced over the past decade. These include opening almost the entire offshore acreage for exploration, modernising the legislative and contractual framework, and strengthening the National Data Repository. The government said Samudra Manthan will accelerate offshore exploration through strategic public investment, advanced technologies and world class infrastructure.