Technology‑Testing Phase India’s Samudra Manthan, the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, is still in the early stages of technology development. A senior government official told Moneycontrol that state‑run public sector undertakings (PSUs) are testing the core technology required for deep‑sea exploration and are trying to prove whether the process can be scaled commercially.
Financial Commitment In July, the Union Cabinet approved a total outlay of **Rs 84,084 crore** for the programme. The budget covers a preparatory year in FY27 and implementation from FY28 to FY31. The scheme will fund large‑scale seismic data acquisition, accelerated deep‑water drilling, scientific drilling in frontier basins, and the creation of an integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone.
Operational Scope Oil & Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has earmarked **Rs 1 lakh crore** for deep‑water exploration over the next five years and plans to drill **over 87 deep‑water wells** under the Samudra Manthan umbrella, according to ONGC’s Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh (August 31). The company’s investment signals a concrete move toward operationalising the programme once the technology is proven.
Challenges and Timelines The official emphasised that the technology is still being developed and that commercial‑scale operations are some way off. Analysts note that a typical deep‑water project—from discovery to first gas—can take **six to ten years** after a confirmed commercial discovery, especially in ultra‑deepwater environments such as the Andaman Basin. Infrastructure hurdles, including subsea systems, pipelines and evacuation routes, can add up to five years before gas reaches mainland markets.
India imports **85 % of its oil** and **half of its gas**. The recent Iran war has exposed supply vulnerabilities, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affecting **50 % of oil** and **90 % of gas** imports. These risks have sharpened the focus on upstream development to reduce dependence on imports.
Strategic Significance The programme is part of a broader strategy to expand upstream projects and mitigate geopolitical supply disruptions. A senior official told Moneycontrol that upstream and downstream activities coexist, but upstream requires more policy bandwidth and effort. Analysts argue that India must enable uniform licensing, pricing freedom, and private participation, alongside deploying advanced drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies, to unlock the full potential of basins such as Mahanadi, Cauvery and Bengal.
What to Watch - Progress of technology testing by PSUs and the timeline for commercial deployment. - ONGC’s drilling schedule and the first deep‑water wells’ outcomes. - Government policy moves to streamline licensing and attract private investment. - Any updates on infrastructure development, especially subsea pipelines and liquefaction facilities.
India’s success in Samudra Manthan will shape the country’s energy security and its ability to reduce import dependence in the coming decade.