India, Sept. 1 -- India's dependence on imported hydrocarbons has long been its greatest energy vulnerability, a risk sharply exposed by recent disruptions to global oil supplies. By investing heavily in offshore exploration, India is seeking not instant self-sufficiency, but a stronger and more resilient energy base capable of cushioning the economy against future geopolitical shocks

The Union Cabinet approved the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, termed Samudra Manthan, on July 2026 31, committing Rs 84,084 crore through Financial Year 2030-31, pushing for offshore hydrocarbon exploration, along with the stated ambition of adding over 600 million tonnes of oil equivalent to India's reserve base. This new scheme does not seem to be ...