Samudra Manthan Scheme 2026: National Offshore Exploration Scheme,

The Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan — National Offshore Exploration Scheme in July 2026.

It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Financial Outlay

₹84,084 crore

Implementation is planned up to FY 2030–31.

Major Objectives

  • Increase offshore exploration.

  • Strengthen India's energy security.

  • Reduce dependence on imported hydrocarbons.

  • Accelerate domestic oil and gas production.

  • Encourage technological development.

  • Explore deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas.

Components

The scheme includes:

  • Large-scale seismic data acquisition.

  • Deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling.

  • Scientific drilling in frontier basins.

  • Common offshore production infrastructure.

  • Evacuation infrastructure.

  • Integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone.

Key Pointers

  • Full name → National Offshore Exploration Scheme

  • Popular name → Samudra Manthan

  • Ministry → Petroleum & Natural Gas

  • Outlay → ₹84,084 crore

  • Period → up to FY 2030–31

  • Focus → Offshore oil and gas exploration.