The Indian government has officially launched the Samudra Manthan scheme, a major national initiative backed by an investment of ₹84,084 crore to accelerate deepwater and ultra-deepwater hydrocarbon exploration. By targeting untapped reserves beneath the sea, the program aims to strengthen India's energy security and reduce the country's heavy reliance on crude oil imports. As one of the world's largest energy consumers, India currently imports nearly 90% of its oil, making its economy vulnerable to global price volatility and supply chain disruptions. The scheme, which runs through 2030, is designed to translate policy into action by opening nearly 99% of India's Exclusive Economic Zone for exploration activities.
At the heart of this mission is the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), which has already begun an ambitious campaign to drill 150 deepwater wells over the next seven years. To manage this massive undertaking, ONGC has established a specialized unit called DeepX, which utilizes advanced seismic mapping, high-end data analytics, and global technical expertise. The company has already commenced drilling its first exploratory well in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin, building on previous discoveries in the region. By fostering a domestic ecosystem for offshore services and manufacturing, the government expects the initiative to unlock over 600 million metric tons of oil equivalent in reserves.
Beyond immediate resource discovery, the scheme seeks to modernize India's approach to energy exploration. It includes provisions for shared offshore infrastructure and a standardized decision-making framework to attract investment and reduce the inherent risks associated with deep-sea drilling. As the project progresses, the focus will remain on converting complex geological data into commercial production, ultimately aiming for a peak annual output of 20 million metric tons. This long-term strategy represents a significant shift toward self-reliance in the energy sector, aiming to insulate the domestic market from the pressures of global geopolitical instability.