India Aims to Unleash Offshore Oil Potential with National Deep Water Exploration Mission

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the National Deep Water Exploration Mission in August 2025, marking a significant shift towards energy security. The mission, dubbed 'Samudra Manthan,' aims to unlock India's offshore oil and gas potential through large-scale seismic surveys, deepwater exploration, scientific drilling, shared offshore infrastructure, and an integrated manufacturing ecosystem.

The Samudra Manthan scheme is expected to add over 600 Million Metric Tons of Oil Equivalent (MMTOE) of reserves by FY 2030-31. The project's focus on large-scale seismic acquisition, deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration, common offshore infrastructure, and technology adoption should improve exploration efficiency and encourage greater investment in India's offshore basins.

India is heavily reliant on oil imports, with nearly 90% of its crude oil needs met through imports. The country has made significant strides in building a meaningful exploration platform, but its upstream output remains well below the country's hydrocarbon requirement. Experts see the Samudra Manthan scheme as a strategic initiative for India's upstream sector, reflecting a shift from simply managing import dependence to actively expanding domestic resource development.

According to Sourav Mitra, Partner - Oil & Gas at Grant Thornton Bharat, India has built a meaningful exploration platform but its upstream output remains below the country's hydrocarbon requirement. The scheme is expected to address this issue by unlocking new areas and increasing domestic oil and gas production.