Samudra Manthan Offshore Exploration Scheme Approved
Why in the news
Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, cleared a mission-mode plan to hunt for oil and gas beneath the seabed. It follows the call for a modern-day Samudra Manthan made from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025.
Key facts
- Cleared on: 31 July 2026.
- Nature: Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Scope: every stage of offshore exploration, from collecting data to commercialising discoveries.
| Component | Allocation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Deepwater exploratory drilling | ₹43,200 crore | 60 wells; government share up to half the eligible cost or ₹675 crore per well, whichever is lower |
| Seismic surveys offshore | ₹28,534 crore | Gathering and interpreting modern seismic data |
| Shared offshore infrastructure hubs | ₹10,000 crore | Joint facilities that help discoveries reach production sooner |
| Integrated manufacturing and services zone | ₹2,000 crore | Local making of key equipment and services |
Exam angle
- Nodal ministry: Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Numbers: ₹84,084 crore total; ₹43,200 crore for 60 deepwater wells; ₹675 crore cap per well.