Samudra Manthan Scheme 2026 is India’s new National Offshore Exploration Scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet on July 31, 2026 with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore. This landmark Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is designed to accelerate offshore oil and gas exploration across the country up to FY 2030–31.
What is the Samudra Manthan Scheme?
Named after the ancient Indian legend of the churning of the ocean, Samudra Manthan translates Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision – first articulated from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025 – of a modern-day “Samudra Manthan” to unlock India’s vast offshore energy potential. It is one of India’s most ambitious efforts yet to accelerate offshore oil and gas exploration using modern technologies and world-class infrastructure.
“The Cabinet’s approval of ‘Samudra Manthan’ marks a transformative leap towards strengthening India’s energy security and unlocking our vast offshore potential.” – PM Narendra Modi
Why the Samudra Manthan Scheme Matters
India’s dependence on imported crude oil has climbed from 77% to 88% over the past decade, and the country also imports roughly half of its natural gas requirements – used across fertiliser production, power generation, CNG for vehicles, and piped cooking gas. Recent supply disruptions in West Asia further exposed the risks of import dependence, renewing the case for stronger domestic exploration and production capacity.
Key Interventions Under the Scheme
- Large-scale acquisition, processing and interpretation of high-quality seismic data across offshore areas
- Accelerated deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling
- Scientific drilling in frontier basins
- Development of common offshore production and evacuation infrastructure
- Establishment of an integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone
- Dedicated provisions for digital programme management, capacity building, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement and international outreach
Expected Outcomes of Samudra Manthan
- Reserve accretion of over 600 Million Metric Tons of Oil Equivalent (MMTOE)
- Substantial increase in offshore exploration activity
- Higher domestic oil and gas production
- Large-scale employment generation
- Strengthened indigenous manufacturing under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
- A globally competitive ecosystem for offshore technologies and services
- Significant catalysed investment across the exploration and production value chain
Samudra Manthan Scheme: Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme |
| Approving Authority | Union Cabinet (approved 31 July 2026) |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas |
| Scheme Type | Central Sector Scheme (100% centrally funded) |
| Approved Outlay | ₹84,084 crore |
| Implementation Period | Up to FY 2030–31 |
| Focus Areas | Seismic surveys, deepwater & ultra-deepwater drilling, frontier basin exploration, offshore infrastructure, O&G manufacturing zone |
What Does the Scheme NOT Provide?
Samudra Manthan is structured as public investment support across the exploration value chain – it is not a subsidy for retail fuel pricing or a direct consumer benefit scheme. Support flows to exploration, drilling, infrastructure and manufacturing activity within the offshore oil & gas ecosystem, rather than as blanket price support.
Frequently Asked Questions on Samudra Manthan Scheme
What is the outlay of the Samudra Manthan Scheme?
The Samudra Manthan Scheme has an approved outlay of ₹84,084 crore, to be spent through FY 2030–31.
Which ministry implements Samudra Manthan?
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, as a Central Sector Scheme.
When was the Samudra Manthan Scheme approved?
The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on July 31, 2026.
Who can benefit from the Samudra Manthan Scheme?
Companies engaged in offshore exploration and production, oilfield services, seismic survey operations, deepwater drilling, and allied manufacturing under the offshore oil & gas value chain stand to benefit as the scheme’s guidelines are notified.
Why Apply Through Subsidy4India?
Companies in offshore exploration and production, oilfield services, seismic survey operations, and allied manufacturing under the Samudra Manthan ecosystem can benefit from expert guidance to navigate the scheme. Subsidy4India offers:
- Eligibility assessment against scheme guidelines as they are notified
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) and application documentation support
- End-to-end liaison and application support with the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
- Ongoing tracking of scheme updates, guidelines and funding windows
Explore more Central Government subsidy schemes on Subsidy4India, or get in touch with our team for a free eligibility check.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office – Cabinet approves ‘Samudra Manthan’ (National Offshore Exploration Scheme)
