National Deep Water Exploration Mission

16.08.2025

National Deep Water Exploration Mission
 

Context:

On India’s 79th Independence Day, the Prime Minister announced the National Deep Water Exploration Mission, aimed at enhancing offshore oil and gas discovery in regions like the Andaman Sea and the deep waters off Andhra Pradesh, with the goal of achieving energy self-reliance.

About the Mission:

• Flagship energy security initiative focused on exploring untapped oil and gas reserves beneath India’s seabed.
   
• Operates in a mission-mode framework for efficient implementation.
   
• Led by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
   
• Supported by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and other research institutions.

Objectives:

• Reduce reliance on imported crude oil and natural gas.
   
• Increase domestic hydrocarbon production capacity.
   
• Strengthen long-term energy security for India.
   
• Promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the energy sector.
   

Key Features:

• Deep-Water Exploration: Focus on previously unexplored offshore regions such as the Andaman-Nicobar basin and Andhra coast.
   
• Policy Support: Backed by the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) and recent legislative reforms favoring exploration.
   
• Large-Scale Bidding: Opens over 1 million sq km of previously restricted ‘No-Go’ areas for exploration.
   
• Advanced Technology: Utilises seismic surveys, modern drilling techniques, and AI-driven exploration tools.
   
• Public-Private Partnership: Encourages domestic and international investment in offshore exploration.
   

Significance:

• Energy Independence: Helps reduce India’s crude oil import dependency (currently ~88%) and natural gas imports (~50%).
   
• Economic Benefits: Cuts import bills, freeing resources for infrastructure and social development.
   
• Strategic Security: Enhances control over domestic energy resources in a volatile global market.
   

Conclusion:
 The National Deep Water Exploration Mission strengthens India’s energy self-reliance, promotes technological advancement in offshore exploration, and ensures long-term economic and strategic security.