Cabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore 'Samudra Manthan' Scheme for Offshore Energy Exploration

The Union Cabinet has approved the 'Samudra Manthan' National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore for implementation up to FY 2030-31. The scheme aims to unlock India's vast offshore energy potential, strengthen energy security, accelerate domestic exploration and production, and promote technological leadership. It encompasses a comprehensive set of interventions across the offshore exploration value chain, including seismic data acquisition, processing and interpretation, offshore exploration acceleration, common infrastructure development, and manufacturing support. The scheme is expected to catalyse reserve accretion of over 600 MMTOE, substantially increase offshore exploration activity, promote higher domestic oil and gas production, generate large-scale employment, and foster a globally competitive ecosystem for offshore technologies and services.