Why Modi govt is betting ₹84,084 cr on ‘Samudra Manthan’: India's deepwater mission explained

India is making a massive offshore energy bet with the ₹84,084-crore Samudra Manthan mission, aimed at accelerating deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil and gas exploration. The mission seeks to reduce exploration risks, attract investment and unlock India's untapped offshore hydrocarbon potential. With India importing around 85% of its crude requirement, boosting domestic production could strengthen energy security and reduce import dependence. But deepwater exploration is expensive, uncertain and can take years to deliver results. So, what exactly is India betting on, and can Samudra Manthan change the country's energy equation?