Samudra Manthan: Govt to partially underwrite drilling risks; operators to retain operational responsibility
Executive Brief • Key Highlights
Fast factual intelligence distilled for busy investors, executives, and answer bots:
- ✓The Oil Ministry released guidelines for the Samudra Manthan scheme on October 23, 2026, to boost offshore oil exploration.
- ✓The government will partially underwrite drilling risks while operators keep full operational control.
- ✓Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal said, "every drilling decision is better informed and every rupee of exploration capital is better directed."
Story at a Glance
- Category
- BUSINESS
- Reported By
- Business Line
- Reading Speed
- 2 Minute(s)
- Market Focus
- India Economy
Releasing operational guidelines of its flagship exploration and production (E&P) scheme, Samudra Manthan, the Oil Ministry said that it is offering capital to de-risk early-stage high-uncertainty investment to encourage operator-led funding in the sector.
Public-private collaboration is an organising principle of Samudra Manthan, or the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, the Ministry emphasised.
Preserving commercial discipline
For accelerating offshore oil and gas exploration, the government will partially underwrite drilling risks while operators retain majority capital exposure and full operational responsibility, thereby preserving commercial discipline, the guidelines said.
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