Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Cabinet Approves Rs 84,084-Crore Offshore Exploration Scheme for India
The Indian government’s cabinet has decided to spend a huge amount of money—about 84,084 crore rupees—to explore for oil and gas in the ocean.
This plan, called Samudra Manthan, will last until the year 2030‑31.
It hopes to find a lot more oil and gas, about 600 million tonnes, and to make India produce more of its own energy.
The plan will also build new technology, training, and factories to help the country make its own offshore equipment.
By doing this, India wants to be safer with its energy, create jobs, and grow its economy.
Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan, a national offshore exploration scheme, with an outlay of Rs 84,084 crore for FY 2024‑25 to 2030‑31.
Scheme aims to add over 600 MMTOE of reserves, boost offshore drilling, and increase domestic oil and gas production.
It will fund seismic data acquisition, deep‑water drilling, scientific frontier basin exploration, and build common offshore infrastructure.
The plan includes digital management, capacity building, technology adoption, and an integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing & Services Zone.
The initiative is part of India’s energy security strategy, supporting Make‑in‑India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Who
- Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- What
- Approval of the Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme
- When
- Friday
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To strengthen energy security, boost offshore exploration, and support economic growth
- Scheme name
- Samudra Manthan (National Offshore Exploration Scheme)
- Approved outlay
- Rs 84,084 crore
- Implementation period
- FY 2024‑25 to FY 2030‑31
- Target reserve accretion
- over 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE)
- Responsible ministry
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
