PM Modi Celebrates ‘Samudra Manthan’ Initiative for Deep-Sea Exploration in Independence Day Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that India has opened nearly all its coastal waters for exploration to identify new mineral reserves. During his Independence Day speech, he highlighted the ‘Samudra Manthan’ initiative, which aims to accelerate offshore exploration. This move comes as India seeks to bolster its domestic production amid rising crude oil consumption and a significant import bill.
Transition from ‘No-Go’ to Exploration
The government approved the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, Samudra Manthan, on July 31, 2026, with an allocation of Rs 84,084 crore for Phase I, which will run until FY2030-31. The initiative is designed to enhance hydrocarbon exploration and production across the nation. PM Modi criticized previous policies that labeled vast areas as “no-go zones,” which he described as a “poverty of thought.” He stated that these areas are now designated as “go-ahead areas,” facilitating exploration efforts.
PM Modi emphasized that unlocking India’s offshore sedimentary basins, believed to hold substantial untapped hydrocarbon reserves, is crucial. These geological formations are natural depressions where oil and gas accumulate. The successful exploration of these resources will depend on advanced technologies, reliable geological data, modern drilling infrastructure, and a strong domestic supply chain. The government anticipates that a significant portion of India’s future oil and gas reserves will emerge from offshore regions, which include deepwater and ultra-deepwater zones extending to depths of nearly 3,000 meters.
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