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Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Initiatives

4 entries over 38 days, from 26 July 2026 to 1 September 2026.

01
26 July

ONGC deepwater drilling in Mahanadi basin

  • ONGC has commenced drilling its first deepwater exploratory well, designated MN-DW18-1-H-D, in the Mahanadi offshore basin.
  • The drilling activity is located approximately 23 nautical miles from the Konark discovery off the Odisha coast.
  • The project is part of the government's 'Samudra Manthan' mission, aimed at exploring deep and ultra-deepwater hydrocarbon resources.
  • This initiative builds upon ONGC's recent findings in the Utkal and Konark fields.
2 questions on this day
02
1 August

Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme

  • The Union Cabinet approved the 'Samudra Manthan' scheme for offshore exploration with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore until FY2030-31.
  • The scheme aims to enhance domestic energy security and address declining production from ageing oil and gas fields.
  • The scheme targets the discovery of over 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE).
  • Drilling of 60 deepwater exploration wells is the primary component, allocated ₹43,200 crore, with government support up to 50% of costs or ₹675 crore per well.
  • Offshore data acquisition is allocated ₹28,534 crore to reduce geological uncertainty and de-risk exploration.
  • ₹10,000 crore is earmarked for developing common offshore infrastructure hubs to facilitate commercialisation.
  • ₹2,000 crore is allocated for establishing oil and gas manufacturing and services zones to promote domestic localisation of equipment.
4 questions on this day
03
1 September

ONGC deepwater exploration investment plan

  • ONGC plans to invest ₹1 lakh crore in deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration by 2030.
  • The strategy involves drilling 87 deepwater and ultra-deepwater wells within the specified timeframe.
  • ONGC Videsh is negotiating to acquire operatorship of oil assets in Venezuela.
  • ONGC Videsh currently holds a 40% interest in the San Cristobal project and an 11% stake in the Carabobo project in Venezuela.
  • Negotiations for Venezuelan assets focus on fiscal terms, operating terms, and subsurface conditions for evacuation.
  • The investment initiative is supported by government policy and improved access to drilling technology.
3 questions on this day
04
1 September

Congress allegations regarding Samudra Manthan scheme

  • The Samudra Manthan scheme is a government initiative for offshore hydrocarbon exploration.
  • The scheme has an approved financial outlay of ₹84,084 crore.
  • The Union Cabinet approved the first phase of the scheme last month.
  • The scheme establishes a framework to provide financial support to private companies engaged in offshore exploration.
  • Debate exists regarding the role of public sector entities like the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) versus private sector participation in national hydrocarbon exploration missions.
3 questions on this day

Questions from this story

Newest first. A story that ran for 38 days is exactly the kind the mains paper asks about as one question.

  1. Discuss the rationale for involving private sector participation in strategic national energy exploration missions. How can the government balance the role of public sector undertakings like ONGC with the need for private investment in the hydrocarbon sector? 150 words · 1 September
  2. Energy security is a cornerstone of India's economic development. Analyze the challenges associated with offshore hydrocarbon exploration and evaluate the effectiveness of current government frameworks in incentivizing domestic production while ensuring transparency and public interest. 250 words · 1 September
  3. Discuss the significance of deepwater exploration in achieving India's energy security goals. How can technological advancements in the oil and gas sector facilitate the exploitation of challenging offshore reserves? 150 words · 1 September
  4. Analyze the strategic importance of overseas oil and gas asset acquisitions by Indian public sector undertakings in the context of global energy geopolitics. What are the operational and fiscal challenges associated with such international investments? 250 words · 1 September
  5. Discuss the significance of the Samudra Manthan scheme in enhancing India's energy security and reducing dependence on hydrocarbon imports. 150 words · 1 August
  6. Deepwater exploration is a capital-intensive sector with long gestation periods. Examine how the Samudra Manthan scheme addresses these challenges through its multi-pronged approach to infrastructure and risk mitigation. 250 words · 1 August
  7. Discuss the significance of the 'Samudra Manthan' mission in enhancing India's energy security through the exploration of deepwater hydrocarbon resources. 150 words · 26 July

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