The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the 'Samudra Manthan' initiative, a Rs 84,084-crore National Offshore Exploration Scheme designed to expand oil and gas
exploration in India's offshore regions. The Central Sector Scheme is expected to reduce the country's reliance on imported energy while strengthening domestic production over the coming years. The programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and will remain in force until financial year 2030-31. According to an official government statement, the initiative is focused on accelerating offshore exploration, increasing production capacity and developing a robust offshore energy ecosystem to support India's long-term energy needs. The approval marks one of the government's biggest investments in offshore hydrocarbon exploration as it seeks to tap unexplored reserves and improve energy self-sufficiency. Scheme Inspired By PM Modi's Vision According to the government, the scheme draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day 2025 address, where he called for a modern-day 'Samudra Manthan' to unlock India's offshore energy resources. The newly approved 'Samudra Manthan' programme is intended to translate that vision into action by encouraging greater exploration activities in offshore basins and creating the infrastructure required to support future oil and gas production. Focus On Energy Security And Domestic Production The government said the scheme is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India's energy landscape by promoting exploration and production in offshore regions. It also aims to support technological advancement in the sector while laying the foundation for sustained growth in domestic hydrocarbon output. Highlighting the importance of the initiative, the government said, "The Scheme translates the Prime Minister's vision of unlocking India's vast offshore energy potential and marks a landmark step towards strengthening India's energy security, accelerating domestic exploration and production, promoting technological leadership, and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat," the government said.
