Adani Group executive says the landmark initiative will accelerate domestic exploration, strengthen energy security and foster industry collaboration.
A day after the Union Cabinet approved the ambitious ‘Samudra Manthan’ – National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore, Pranav Adani, Managing Director (Agro and Oil & Gas) at the Adani Group, welcomed the decision, describing it as a transformative step towards strengthening India’s energy security and unlocking its vast offshore hydrocarbon potential.
Also read: Union Cabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme to Unlock India’s Offshore Energy Potential
Reacting to the Cabinet’s decision through a post on X, Pranav Adani said, “India’s energy exploration landscape is entering an era of unprecedented scale. Guided by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s visionary leadership for India’s energy security, the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Samudra Manthan scheme marks a landmark step towards unlocking our vast offshore energy potential. It will accelerate domestic exploration and production, foster greater industry collaboration and strengthen the foundations of an energy-secure India.”
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ‘Samudra Manthan’ – National Offshore Exploration Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, with an approved outlay of ₹84,084 crore for implementation through FY 2030-31.
The scheme translates the Prime Minister’s vision, articulated during his Independence Day address in 2025, of a modern-day Samudra Manthan to unlock India’s offshore energy resources. It aims to strengthen the country’s long-term energy security by accelerating domestic oil and gas exploration, promoting technological leadership and supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The comprehensive programme covers the entire offshore exploration value chain. It includes large-scale acquisition, processing and interpretation of high-quality seismic data, accelerated deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling, scientific drilling in frontier basins, development of common offshore production and evacuation infrastructure, and the establishment of an integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone.
The initiative also provides for digital programme management, capacity building, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement and international outreach to create a robust ecosystem for offshore exploration and production.
According to the government, the Samudra Manthan scheme is expected to help add more than 600 Million Metric Tons of Oil Equivalent (MMTOE) in hydrocarbon reserves, significantly increase offshore exploration, enhance domestic oil and gas production, generate large-scale employment, strengthen indigenous manufacturing under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, and create a globally competitive offshore technology and services ecosystem.
The government believes the scheme will also attract substantial investments across the exploration and production value chain, driving innovation, industrial growth and long-term economic development while reinforcing India’s journey towards energy self-reliance.
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